depth perception

American  

noun

1. the ability of an observer to judge the spatial relationships of objects, especially their relative distance from the observer and from one another.

---

Etymology

Origin of depth perception

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

The platform includes Nvidia’s onboard Thor computers, autonomous-driving software, and sensors such as cameras, radar, ultrasonic sensors, and lidar—laser-based radar that is particularly useful for depth perception and night driving.

From Barron's • Jan. 6, 2026

The 24-year-old has had multiple operations to try to correct her vision but it is not perfect and she still has depth perception issues.

From BBC • Sep. 22, 2025

“Playing the first game of the day definitely helped because we had 30 minutes to shoot, get the depth perception and adapt to the big court,” said Watson, a junior point guard.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 2, 2025

Daccord noted the changes to depth perception — the seats are much further from the glass — and tracking pucks, especially higher up on the glass.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 31, 2023

He would have no short-term memory for several days and no depth perception for six months.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand