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

These polypeptides then fold into complex three-dimensional structures called proteins, driven by a combination of hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonds and electrostatic forces between atoms along the chain. — Kj Dhaliwal, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

The key takeaway is that transistors are now three-dimensional and can't be measured the same way as previous generations. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 26 June 2026

So first the Grassmannian of lines in three-dimensional space in this slightly higher dimensional setting would look more or less like the northern hemisphere. — Quanta Magazine, 25 June 2026

That diversity is reflected in the various mediums seen throughout the show, from painting and photography to three-dimensional artworks. — Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 23 June 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