diorama

noun

di·​ora·​ma ˌdī-ə-ˈra-mə  -ˈrä- 

1

: a scenic representation in which a partly translucent painting is seen from a distance through an opening

2

a

: a scenic representation in which sculptured figures and lifelike details are displayed usually in miniature so as to blend indistinguishably with a realistic painted background

b

: a life-size exhibit (as of a wildlife specimen or scene) with realistic natural surroundings and a painted background

dioramic

ˌdī-ə-ˈra-mik 

-ˈrä-

adjective

Examples of diorama in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And yet, solo developer Billy Basso managed to stuff his adventure with layers and layers of clockwork machinations — hundreds of riddles, pleated together across a diorama that isn’t large, but is certainly deep. —Luke Winkie, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2025

Here’s the scoop: To participate, make a diorama of any size featuring marshmallow Peeps. —Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 20 Mar. 2025

By killing animals for exhibition and subduing their bodies in such tableaux, taxidermy celebrates the subjugation of nature and colonial exploitation, all while effacing the African labor undergirding some dioramas, as with the mountain gorilla scene. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 13 Mar. 2025

The music legend has embraced his role as grandpa, even helping Delilah complete a diorama for a school project in 2023. —Emily Blackwood, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from dia- + -orama (as in panorama, from English)

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for diorama

• panorama
• trichogramma
• gamma
• grama
• gramma

Kids Definition

diorama

noun

di·​o·​rama

ˌdī-ə-ˈram-ə,

-ˈräm-

: a scenic representation in which lifelike sculptured figures and surrounding details are realistically set against a painted background