specifically: one of three coordinates (see coordinateentry 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 parametersense 1) or coordinate variable assigned to such a property
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
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