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 of three-dimensional

• realistic
• living
• naturalistic
• natural
• lifelike
• vivid

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

Earthshine will make the view seem almost three-dimensional. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 2 May 2026

By using light in a three-dimensional volume, the system can perform millions of operations simultaneously. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026

The gallery’s compact roster leaned toward Swiss and Scandinavian artists working in three-dimensional media, while also including artists from Southeast Asia and the United States. —Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 29 Apr. 2026

Protein folding is the process by which the chain twists into a precise three-dimensional shape, and that final shape determines what the protein actually does. —Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for three-dimensional

• interventional
• nonconventional
• nondimensional
• unconventional
• unintentional
• attentional
• conventional
• dimensional
• extensional
• intensional
• intentional
• multidimensional

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