three-dimensional

adjective

three-di·​men·​sion·​al ˈthrē-də-ˈmench-nəl How to pronounce three-dimensional (audio)
-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 processesL. L. Snyder
4
: true to life : lifelike
three-dimensionality noun

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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'three-dimensional.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of three-dimensional was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near three-dimensional

Cite this Entry

“Three-dimensional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/three-dimensional. Accessed 4 Jun. 2023.

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

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