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3D animation

American  
[three-dee an-uh-may-shuhn] / ˈθriˈdi ˌæn əˈmeɪ ʃən /
Or 3-D animation

noun

Digital Technology, Graphic Arts.
  1. animation, or a product of animation, created when three-dimensional computer models or objects are rapidly sequenced to create the illusion of lifelike motion, as in some computer animation.


Etymology

Origin of 3D animation

First recorded in 1975–80


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Over the last several years, “CoComelon” has become a staple in households with young children, known for its brightly colored 3D animation style.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 7, 2026

"I hope we'll never need it but it feels reassuring to have," Tsai, a 31-year-old 3D animation specialist, told AFP.

From Barron's ● Nov. 21, 2025

Its 3D animation software was used in the production of major film hits including Jurassic Park, The Matrix, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace and Titanic.

From BBC ● Dec. 4, 2023

To better understand the crash, we designed a 3D animation of the three aircraft involved and their motion relative to one another in the minutes before the incident.

From Salon ● Dec. 31, 2019

But it’s not that we reject 3D animation.

From The Verge ● Oct. 25, 2017

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