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 their study, Lawless and her colleagues used genetic data on several shark species—including the great white—to model the three-dimensional structures of the olfactory, or smell, receptors of the iconic ocean predators. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

At the hip, the look consists of a sweet handmade three-dimensional flower detail and a split in the back. —Mikelle Street, WWD, 14 Feb. 2025

The 4-foot-diameter (1.2-meter-diameter) telescope’s primary goal is to observe dark matter and dark energy and to create the largest and most accurate three-dimensional map of the universe. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025

The scan from the procedure was then used to create a three-dimensional reconstruction, which was analyzed by AI. —Francesca Aton For Artnews, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2025

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