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 team collected samples and filmed the plume with an underwater drone to make a three-dimensional map. — Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Structural peplums and three-dimensional embellishments brought fantasy and boldness, especially in Nicolas Ghesquière’s Louis Vuitton designs worn by Chase Infiniti and Sophie Thatcher. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2026

The process starts with a three-dimensional model of the binding site, into which the peptide is docked until the fit is precise, which Knight compares to a key in a lock. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026

Bose Immersive Audio, powered by the company's TrueSpatial technology, has Still, Motion, and Cinema modes designed to simulate a three-dimensional soundstage. — Christian De Looper, PC Magazine, 15 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