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

The pollen count — which The Weather Channel defines as a measure of the pollen density in the air — was measured Tuesday at 2,155 grains per cubic meter of air. —Mike Stunson, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

The human-composting process can convert each of us into roughly a cubic yard of soil, to be placed directly on or in the earth. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 14 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