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

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

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

In one test called the Visual Object Learning Task, for example, they were shown three-dimensional figures, instructed to memorize them, and then required to pick them out of a later, larger assortment of shapes. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 29 Dec. 2024

The artist over her long career brought to bear her early training as a set designer in spare, three-dimensional works that, on close looking, frequently evoked female anatomy. —News Desk, Artforum, 26 Dec. 2024

Bubble wrap was supposed to be three-dimensional wallpaper. —Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024

The scans produce detailed 2D images that a computer can combine to form three-dimensional (3D) images. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 25 Dec. 2024

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