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

• lifelike
• living
• natural
• naturalistic
• naturalist
• near
• photo-realistic
• realistic

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

This year, researchers created a three-dimensional virtual model of the specimen using a portable scanner, enabling them to analyze the fossil further for a study. —Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Down clusters are three-dimensional spirals, not to be confused with feathers, which are flat, provide no loft, and poke through fabric. —Marni Jameson, arkansasonline.com, 2 Nov. 2024

Meanwhile, picnic tables include a fictional map of Fort Knox bullion reserve in 22-karat gold inlay and there is a three-dimensional steel and gold gallery that incorporates a map of Switzerland’s Furka Pass, a key location in the movie. —Kathy Rose Obrien, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024

The zoetrope was the most popular, and this word is now widely used for all such systems, even those involving three-dimensional sculptures, says Christine Banna, an assistant professor of film and animation at the Rochester Institute of Technology. —Charlotte Hu, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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