dimension
1 of 2noun
di·men·sion də-ˈmen(t)-shən 
also
dī- 1
a 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
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
Shakespeare3
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
Catherine Bates dimensional
də-ˈmench-nəl
adjective also
dī- -ˈmen(t)-shə-nᵊl
dimensionality
də-ˌmen(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē
noun also dī-
dimensionally
də-ˈmench-nə-lē
adverb also dī-
-ˈmen(t)-shə-nᵊl-ē
dimensionless
də-ˈmen(t)-shən-ləs
adjective also dī-
dimension
2 of 2verb
dimensioned; dimensioning də-ˈmen(t)-shə-niŋ
also dī-
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
Synonyms
Noun
- bulk
- extent
- magnitude
- measure
- measurement
- proportion
- size
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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 David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Sep. 2022 Many movies aren’t endowed with any such extra dimension of subjectivity and are perfectly enjoyable, within limits. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2022 The season ends with Will throwing up a slug and flashing back to the Upside Down for a moment, indicating that his struggles with the other dimension are far from over. cleveland, 6 Aug. 2022 Same rules, but with a vertical dimension: Find a barn or backcountry shelter with thick rafters, or adjacent trees with very sturdy branches. Outside Online, 7 July 2022 The new age environment creates a drastically different space filled with dimension, dynamic skill sets, balance and empowerment. Ciara Ungar, Forbes, 5 May 2022 Cross-silo teams work best with an in-person dimension. Bill Schaninger, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2022 Massoud is equally endearing, instilling his performance with multi-faceted dimension. Courtney Howard, Variety, 20 Jan. 2022 His speech will coincide with a frightening new dimension of the emergency, with children now representing about one in four new infections, with hundreds in hospitals, a surge that is terrifying parents and threatening in-person school. Stephen Collinson, CNN, 9 Sep. 2021 Ted Berg, For The Win, 23 Feb. 2018 Each barn is covered top to bottom in oversized shingles dimensioned to make the volume look smaller. Joseph Giovannini, ELLE Decor, 2 July 2015 See More
Noun
But McDonagh imbues the tale with a timeless dimension in keeping with the rocky cliff faces, the icy sea and overcast skies of its atmospheric setting. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Sep. 2022 Many movies aren’t endowed with any such extra dimension of subjectivity and are perfectly enjoyable, within limits. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2022 The season ends with Will throwing up a slug and flashing back to the Upside Down for a moment, indicating that his struggles with the other dimension are far from over. cleveland, 6 Aug. 2022 Same rules, but with a vertical dimension: Find a barn or backcountry shelter with thick rafters, or adjacent trees with very sturdy branches. Outside Online, 7 July 2022 The new age environment creates a drastically different space filled with dimension, dynamic skill sets, balance and empowerment. Ciara Ungar, Forbes, 5 May 2022 Cross-silo teams work best with an in-person dimension. Bill Schaninger, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2022 Massoud is equally endearing, instilling his performance with multi-faceted dimension. Courtney Howard, Variety, 20 Jan. 2022 His speech will coincide with a frightening new dimension of the emergency, with children now representing about one in four new infections, with hundreds in hospitals, a surge that is terrifying parents and threatening in-person school. Stephen Collinson, CNN, 9 Sep. 2021 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, 23 Feb. 2018 Each barn is covered top to bottom in oversized shingles dimensioned to make the volume look smaller. Joseph Giovannini, ELLE Decor, 2 July 2015 See More Word History
Etymology
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
First Known Use
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
1754, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing dimension
Kids Definition
dimension
noun
di·men·sion də-ˈmen-shən
: the length, width, or height of something
Medical Definition
dimension
noun
di·men·sion
də-ˈmen-chən also dī-
: measure in one direction
specifically : one of three or four coordinates determining a position in space or space and time
dimension
noun
1
as in size
the total amount of measurable space or surface occupied by something the mansion is great in dimension and can easily be converted into a B and B Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- size
- measurement
- extent
- magnitude
- measure
- proportion
- bulk
- area
- volume
- amplitude
- spaciousness
- largeness
- vastness
- grandness
- bigness
- massiveness
- bulkiness
- roominess
- immensity
- capaciousness
- hugeness
- greatness
- ampleness
- voluminousness
- monstrousness
- immenseness
- commodiousness
- mass
- tremendousness
- enormousness
- stupendousness
- heftiness
- grossness
2
as in scope
dimensions plural an area over which activity, capacity, or influence extends the vast dimensions of the subject will require years of study Synonyms & Similar Words
- scope
- extent
- width
- range
- realm
- spectrum
- amplitude
- breadth
- reach
- confines
- sweep
- element
- ambit
- compass
- domain
- region
- sphere
- terrain
- department
- province
- discipline
- panorama
- specialty
- frontier
- gamut
- circle
- field
- spread
- horizon
- bailiwick
- fiefdom
- fief
- demesne
- man in the moon
- man in the street
- man jack
- man lock
- man midwife
- man of color
- man of few words
- man of God
- man of her word
- man of his word
- man of law
- man of letters
- man of parts
- man of steel
- man of straw
- man of style
- man of the cloth
- man of the house
- man of the people
- man of the woods
- man of the world
- man on horseback
- man on the street
- man orchid
- man pin