2D animation

American  

[too-dee an-uh-mey-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

Example Sentences

Though, to Vázquez’s credit, the contrast between the film’s grim subject matter and its bubbly, expressive 2D animation style is a big part of what makes the film so creepy.

From New York Times • Mar. 9, 2023

Working with stop-motion animation specialists from the L.A.-based Screen Novelties, “The Cuphead Show!” creatives had to figure out how to track the 2D animation onto the sculpted 3D background sets.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2022

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

And it was really fun to go outside traditional 2D animation and get to play with things.

From The Verge • Jun. 14, 2019