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

Gastrotypographicalassemblage is an approximately eight-by-thirty-four-foot wooden mural composed mostly of culinary terms set in expressive three-dimensional typefaces. — Alec Mapes-Frances, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026

The actor channeled Effie Trinket in a three-dimensional Robert Wun pink couture ballerina gown, complete with a pillbox hat with another ballerina dancer on top. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2026

In an act of kismet, Bialy had recently been looking for a student to explore the ISM through three-dimensional mapping, and so a research partnership was born. — Perri Thaler, Quanta Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026

Soft purple eye shadow complemented the intricate three-dimensional flowers on her gown, while pink blush high on her cheekbones gave the 20-year-old actress a flattering glow. — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 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