three-dimensional

adjective

three-di·​men·​sion·​al ˈthrē-də-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nəl 

also -dī-

1

: of, relating to, or having three dimensions

2

: giving the illusion of depth or varying distances

—used especially of an image or a pictorial representation on a two-dimensional medium when this illusion is enhanced by stereoscopic means

3

: describing or being described in well-rounded completeness

… a three-dimensional analysis of multiple historical processes …

—L. L. Snyder

4

: true to life : lifelike

three-dimensionality

ˈthrē-də-ˌmen(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

Synonyms of three-dimensional

• realistic
• living
• naturalistic
• natural
• lifelike
• vivid

Examples of three-dimensional in a Sentence

an actress who has been acclaimed for her three-dimensional portrayal of the celebrated monarch

Recent Examples on the Web

The result is flippy and three-dimensional, with enough movement to keep the darker shade from feeling heavy. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2026

The goal is to make the process precise enough to produce reliable electronic circuits on complex three-dimensional shapes. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026

Co-existing in the same composition, those visible shifts in speed, thickness, and direction carved out three-dimensional spaces of ravishing complexity and urgency. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2026

Related Articles It was created by a team of specialists who mapped the Basilica’s interior and exterior spaces and its major decorative schemes using ultra-high-resolution gigapixel photography and three-dimensional surveys. — Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for three-dimensional

• interventional
• nonconventional
• nondimensional
• unconventional
• unintentional
• attentional
• conventional
• dimensional
• extensional
• intensional
• intentional
• multidimensional

Kids Definition

three-dimensional

adjective

1

: of, relating to, or having three dimensions (as length, width, and height)

2

: giving the appearance of depth or varying distances