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

And, most gratifyingly for a genre that can sometimes feel stuck in retrograde masculinity, a lot of those three-dimensional characters are women. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 May 2026

It’s adorned with three-dimensional flowers for a subtle touch of texture. —Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2026

Jelly-like, three-dimensional pads contour the bra’s cups and provide a push-up effect, thus lifting and preventing spillage. —Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026

Even the façade, composed of three-dimensional tiles designed by ceramist Maria Ana Vasco Costa, functions as an artwork. —Gisela Williams, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 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