dimension
noun
di·men·sion
| \ də-ˈmen(t)-shən
also dī-
\
also dī-
\
Definition of dimension
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a mathematics
(1)
: measure in one direction
the dimensions of the room
specifically
: one of three coordinates (see coordinate entry 3 sense 1a) determining a position in space or four coordinates determining a position in space and time
(2)
: one of a group of properties whose number is necessary and sufficient to determine uniquely each element of a system of usually mathematical entities (such as an aggregate of points in real or abstract space)
the surface of a sphere has two dimensions
also
: a parameter (see parameter sense 1) or coordinate variable assigned to such a property
the three dimensions of momentum
(3)
: the number of elements in a basis (see basis sense 5) of a vector space
c
: a lifelike or realistic quality
uses eccentric dialogue to add dimension to her characters
d
: the range over which or the degree to which something extends : scope
—usually used in plural the vast dimensions of the disaster
e
: one of the elements or factors making up a complete personality or entity : aspect
the social and political dimensions of the problem
2
obsolete
: bodily form or proportions
… my dimensions are as well compact, my mind as generous, and my shape as true …— Shakespeare
3
mathematics
: any of the fundamental units (as of mass, length, or time) on which a derived unit is based
also
: the power of such a unit
4
: wood or stone cut to pieces of specified size
5
: a level of existence or consciousness
… a secular as well as spiritual dimension …— Catherine Bates
dimension
verb
dimensioned;
dimensioning\ də-ˈmen(t)-shə-niŋ
also dī- \
also dī- \
Definition of dimension (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: to form to the required dimensions (see dimension entry 1 sense 1a(1))
a table dimensioned to fit the space
2
: to indicate the dimensions of (as on a drawing)
dimensioning the plans
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Other Words from dimension
Noun
dimensional
\ də-ˈmench-nəl
also dī-
, -ˈmen(t)-shə-nᵊl \
adjective
also dī-
, -ˈmen(t)-shə-nᵊl \
adjective
dimensionality
\ də-ˌmen(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē
also dī- \
noun
also dī- \
noun
dimensionally
\ də-ˈmench-nə-lē
also dī- , -ˈmen(t)-shə-nᵊl-ē \
adverb
also dī- , -ˈmen(t)-shə-nᵊl-ē \
adverb
dimensionless
\ də-ˈmen(t)-shən-ləs
also dī- \
adjective
also dī- \
adjective
Synonyms for dimension
Synonyms: Noun
bulk, extent, magnitude, measure, measurement, proportion, size
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Examples of dimension in a Sentence
Noun
She carefully measured each dimension of the room. The social dimensions of the problem must also be taken into account.Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
How does that feel to kind of have given the franchise a new dimension? — Dana Rose Falcone, PEOPLE.com, "Wells Adams Spills on All the Bachelor in Paradise Drama (Including That Awkward Rose Ceremony!)," 11 Sep. 2019 The director also constantly creates visuals — often using distorting lenses or compositions — and audio cues that give the story a more metaphorical dimension without ever distracting from the characters. — Boyd Van Hoeij, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Madre': Film Review | Venice 2019," 30 Aug. 2019 Music is another feature of Carpenter’s filmmaking that gives his films a unique dimension — five of the series’ seven films are scored by him. — G. Allen Johnson, SFChronicle.com, "Seven-film John Carpenter festival includes ‘Halloween,’ ‘The Thing’," 28 Aug. 2019 To the extent that the new nationalism looks and feels like an attempt to flesh out the political and economic dimensions of Trumpism into a durable political coalition and governing philosophy, its fate is bound up with his own. — John Hood, National Review, "New Nationalists Make Three Big Bets," 28 Aug. 2019 Additional parallel universes could exist in higher dimensions of space beyond our view. — George Musser, Scientific American, "The Search for Truth in Physics," 25 Aug. 2019 On Monday, the dimensions of the devastation were still coming into focus, and stories of near-misses and last-second evacuations were surfacing among the newly displaced. — Michelle Theriault Boots, Anchorage Daily News, "‘We gotta get out now’: Residents of subdivision in McKinley fire’s path recount last-minute evacuations," 20 Aug. 2019 Ivory has researched the social and psychological dimensions of media, particularly the content and effects of video games. — Caitlin O'kane, CBS News, "Playing video games does not make you a mass shooter, expert says," 9 Aug. 2019 Getting up close to objects, whether looking at ancient stone, beach sand, flower petals, or jewelry, gives a whole new dimension. — National Geographic, "See Jerusalem like a Nat Geo Explorer," 16 Apr. 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
Aaron Judge, New York Yankees: Another huge man with huge power playing in the same Little League-dimensioned ballpark as Stanton. — Ted Berg, For The Win, "Poll: Which MLB slugger is most likely to challenge Barry Bonds' home-run record in 2018?," 23 Feb. 2018 Each barn is covered top to bottom in oversized shingles dimensioned to make the volume look smaller. — Joseph Giovannini, ELLE Decor, "HOUSE TOUR: Contemporary Decor Blends With Farmhouse Tradition Inside A Hamptons Barn," 2 July 2015These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dimension.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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