dimension

noun
di·​men·​sion | \ də-ˈmen(t)-shən How to pronounce dimension (audio) also dī- How to pronounce dimension (audio) \

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
b : the quality of spatial extension : magnitude, size … the town's modest dimensions and leisurely ways …— Jane Shellhase
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 How to pronounce dimensioning (audio) also  dī-​ \

Definition of dimension (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

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 How to pronounce dimensional (audio) also  dī-​ How to pronounce dimensional (audio) , -​ˈmen(t)-​shə-​nᵊl \ adjective
dimensionality \ də-​ˌmen(t)-​shə-​ˈna-​lə-​tē How to pronounce dimensionality (audio) also  dī-​ \ noun
dimensionally \ də-​ˈmench-​nə-​lē How to pronounce dimensionally (audio) also  dī-​ , -​ˈmen(t)-​shə-​nᵊl-​ē \ adverb
dimensionless \ də-​ˈmen(t)-​shən-​ləs How to pronounce dimensionless (audio) also  dī-​ \ adjective

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

Manufacturers list the appliance’s outside dimensions. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, "Why Your Next Water Heater Should Be Tankless," 14 Aug. 2019 But trouble that has long brewed at the strip mall has taken on larger dimensions since Hussle’s death. Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, "Newsletter: The state of California vs. Trump, again," 14 Aug. 2019 The personal finance site evaluated three key dimensions when determining which cities were the most pet-friendly compared to other populated cities, including pet budget, pet health and wellness and outdoor pet-friendliness. Michelle Iracheta, Houston Chronicle, "Here's why Houston ranked lower than Austin, San Antonio among pet-friendly cities in nation," 13 Aug. 2019 The new shades have steel frames and classic details, with upgraded tech too: two HD cameras for capturing footage with depth and dimension. Arielle Pardes, WIRED, "Snap Bets Its Future on a Stylish New Pair of Spectacles," 13 Aug. 2019 Her big, brown eyes and pointy ears opened new dimensions for me. Haben Girma, Twin Cities, "Haben Girma: Guide dogs don’t lead blind people. We wander as one.," 11 Aug. 2019 According to research published in 1997 in The American Journal of Health Promotion, these dimensions are closely intertwined. Brad Stulberg, Outside Online, "We've Reached Peak Wellness. Most of It Is Nonsense.," 8 Aug. 2019 But as with most of the character wrinkles, that fascinating dimension is acknowledged, and at one point articulated, without being fully dramatized. San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: Mob wives take over ‘The Kitchen,’ a ‘70s crime drama with more sizzle than steak," 8 Aug. 2019 The laptop's dimensions are 305.2×203.2×6.2-11.8 mm. Samuel Axon, Ars Technica, "Samsung’s new Galaxy Book S laptop is built around Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8cx," 8 Aug. 2019

Recent 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 2015

These 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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First Known Use of dimension

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1754, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for dimension

Noun and Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin dimension-, dimensio, from dimetiri to measure out, from dis- + metiri to measure — more at measure

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More Definitions for dimension

dimension

noun