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

Artists of that period applied stucco thickly to form three-dimensional textures that mimicked fabric. —Alexis Benveniste, Architectural Digest, 21 Nov. 2025

The seasonal motif, Croc Embroidery, features a three-dimensional texture for eveningwear and gala pieces. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 21 Nov. 2025

Further examination showcased that this resulting three-dimensional construct closely mimics the human endosteal niche and is relatively large (8 mm diameter, 4 mm thickness). —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Nov. 2025

Try to look at other people as fully rounded, three-dimensional children of God, not as cardboard cutouts. —Paul Prather, Arkansas Online, 15 Nov. 2025

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