three-dimensional

adjective

three-di·​men·​sion·​al ˈthrē-də-ˈmench-nəl 

-ˈmen(t)-shə-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

• lifelike
• living
• natural
• naturalistic
• naturalist
• near
• photo-realistic
• realistic

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

View Interior Photos The interior also features a head-up display, a three-dimensional headliner, and myriad M-specific controls. —Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 12 Apr. 2023

On this 33mm Lady Féerie Or Rose timepiece, the house has set one of its signature three-dimensional fairies, here embellished with diamonds and pink sapphires, on a dial crafted of mother of pearl and opaque and plique-à-jour enamel in tonal shades of white, pink and deep plum. —Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2023

Those use video and three-dimensional graphics to tell the story of how the jacket tradition came to be. —Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2023

As shown during testing, the dimension of the sponge's shape doesn't play a huge role since the flat side of the silicone blender applied foundation as well as the three-dimensional sponges. —Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2023

The Aero has a three-dimensional top pocket for small items and a trolley sleeve to slide over your suitcase handle. —Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 5 Apr. 2023

That process started with preliminary 2D models of Mario before Illumination’s animation teams passed three-dimensional designs back and forth between L.A. and Paris. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 4 Apr. 2023

The first three-dimensional Cartier Panthère was created in 1948 for the Duchess of Windsor, using a 116.74-carat emerald from her husband’s own collection. —Stellene Volandes, Town & Country, 30 Mar. 2023

AlphaFold predicts the three-dimensional structure of proteins from sequences of amino acids. —Ingrid Wickelgren, Scientific American, 29 Mar. 2023

See More

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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