three-dimensional

adjective

three-di·​men·​sion·​al ˈthrē-də-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce three-dimensional (audio)
 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 processesL. L. Snyder
4
: true to life : lifelike
three-dimensionality noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While van Doesburg supported the exploration of three-dimensional forms, Mondrian struggled to accept the inclusion of architecture, Yve-Alain Bois explains. JSTOR Daily, 15 Oct. 2025 In a major leap for cancer research and precision medicine, engineers at the University of California, Irvine have developed a three-dimensional human colon model integrated with bioelectronics. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025 When a patient comes in for Preservé, their surgeon takes measurements, including the width of the breasts and the distance from nipple to nipple, and plugs the data into a three-dimensional imaging system, which returns a specific range of implants that will fit the person’s chest. Jolene Edgar, Allure, 15 Oct. 2025 Combined, these boundaries can divide space into a complex three-dimensional shape called a polyhedron. Quanta Magazine, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for three-dimensional

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of three-dimensional was in 1872

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Cite this Entry

“Three-dimensional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/three-dimensional. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on three-dimensional

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