cubic

1 of 2

adjective

cu·​bic ˈkyü-bik 

1

: having the form of a cube : cubical

2

a

: relating to the cube considered as a crystal form

b

: isometric sense 1

3

a

: three-dimensional

b

: being the volume of a cube whose edge is a specified unit

cubic inch

4

: of third degree, order, or power

a cubic polynomial

cubic

2 of 2

noun

: a cubic curve, equation, or polynomial

Examples of cubic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Measuring just several tens of cubic millimeters, the new microbattery eliminates many of the safety risks associated with traditional lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion), such as swelling, leakage, and overheating, by avoiding liquid electrolytes. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026

For example, our closest relatives, the chimpanzees, have brains that average just 400 cubic centimeters; the average adult human brain takes up about 1,350 cubic centimeters. —ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2026

Noun

If my math is accurate, 1 cubic yard of compost will provide enough top dressing for 650 square feet of lawn. —Calvin Finch, San Antonio Express-News, 30 Jan. 2026

The Ioniq 5 has practical, sufficient cargo space, 27.2 cubic behind the rear seats, 59.3 cubic feet when the seats are folded flat. —James Raia, Mercury News, 6 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1799, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cubic

• cubic equation
• cubic measure
• cubic zirconia
• cubic zirconium

Rhymes for cubic

• pubic
• cherubic
• suprapubic

Kids Definition

cubic

adjective

cu·​bic

ˈkyü-bik

variants also cubical

-bi-kəl

1

: having the form of a cube

2

a

: having length, width, and height

b

: relating to volume

3

: being or having the volume of a cube whose edge is a specified unit

cubic centimeter

cubic inch

cubically

-bi-k(ə-)lē

adverb