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

• realistic
• living
• naturalistic
• natural
• lifelike
• graphical
• 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

If cyber threats were chess, the board just turned three-dimensional. —Maman Ibrahim, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Similarly, biochips are designed to emulate the brain’s own three-dimensional structure. —IEEE Spectrum, 9 Aug. 2025

The bodice was adorned with white three-dimensional floral appliqués atop silver sparkles cascading down the frock. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2025

The light echo illuminates that material, giving us insight into its conditions and even three-dimensional structure when the star was forming. —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1872, 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