two-dimensional

adjective

two-di·​men·​sion·​al ˈtü-də-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nəl 

also -dī-

1

: of, relating to, or having two dimensions

The most symmetric of the two-dimensional objects is the circle, because you can rotate it any amount and reflect it over any axis through its center, and it remains exactly the same …

—Tamara M. Davis

… consider a piece of paper, a two-dimensional object. Crumple the paper up. The more tightly it's compressed, the more chaotic are its folds, and the closer the two-dimensional surface moves to becoming a three-dimensional solid.

—John Briggs and F. David Peat

2

: lacking the illusion of depth : not three-dimensional

His violent, nakedly two-dimensional art can be difficult to capture in photographs, depending as it does in great measure on knotty textures and eccentric color schemes for effect.

—Publishers Weekly

3

: lacking depth of characterization

two-dimensional characters

two-dimensionality

ˈtü-də-ˌmen(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

also -dī-

noun

plural two-dimensionalities

two-dimensionally adverb

This guide … covers thoroughly and in-depth the process of representing the human form two-dimensionally on paper.

—Heather Halliday

Examples of two-dimensional in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The electrode is built from a two-dimensional conductive metal-organic framework (MOF), a porous material made by connecting metal components with organic molecules. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026

Replacing today’s one-dimensional UPC labels with two-dimensional QR-code-like alternatives could unlock some serious advantages for stores, manufacturers and consumers. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026

The two-dimensional fractal called the Sierpiński carpet is an example; it’s built by dividing a square into a grid of smaller squares and removing the middle square, repeatedly. — Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026

Astronomers have released the largest two-dimensional map of the universe ever created, offering a sweeping new view of nearly 4 billion celestial objects across roughly three-quarters of the sky. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for two-dimensional

• interventional
• nonconventional
• nondimensional
• unconventional
• unintentional
• attentional
• conventional
• dimensional
• extensional
• intensional
• intentional
• multidimensional

Kids Definition

two-dimensional

adjective

: of, relating to, or having two dimensions (as length and width)