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

Although decades of research have established the concept as a mature fusion system, the complicated three-dimensional coils traditionally used by stellarators have created major engineering challenges. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026

Liang Manqi, known for geometric abstraction, presents an installation in which painting spills off the canvas and onto walls, floors and three-dimensional structures. — Denni Hu, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026

This involved competing in simulated games of capture the flag held inside complex, three-dimensional virtual worlds. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026

And the top-down presentation is going to reveal a striking three-dimensional quality that’s easily lost when the tapestry is viewed from afar. — Tobias Grey, Air Mail, 5 Sep. 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