2D animation

American  

[too-dee an-uh-may-shuhn] / ˈtuˈdi ˌæn əˈmeɪ ʃən /

Or 2-D animation

noun

Graphic Arts.

1. two-dimensional animation: animation, or a product of animation, created when two-dimensional images are rapidly sequenced to create the illusion of lifelike motion, as in traditional drawn animation, cel animation, or computer-generated vector graphics.

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Etymology

Origin of 2D animation

First recorded in 1985–90

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

2D animation

Cinematographer Brandon Trost does an incredible job blending classic 2D animation into drab law offices and conference rooms.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

Chip sells insurance and still looks like old-school 2D animation, while Dale has had “C.G.I. surgery” and pines for their glory days.

From New York Times ● May 5, 2023

The 2D animation in this movie isn’t anything to write home about, but the 3D animation—well, it still isn’t, but it stands out for different reasons.

From Slate ● Jul. 16, 2021

And the lushly imaginative 2D animation that brought those stories to life was rich in a cultural history of its own.

From Salon ● Dec. 12, 2020

We wanted details on the character designs, in the costumes and sets, that you really can’t get in traditional 2D animation.

From The Verge ● Mar. 18, 2019

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