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3D printing

American  
[three-dee prin-ting] / ˈθriˈdi ˈprɪn tɪŋ /
Or 3-D printing

noun

Computers.
  1. a printing process that involves making three-dimensional objects from digital models by applying many thin layers of quick-drying material on top of each other.


Etymology

Origin of 3D printing

First recorded in 1980–85

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:

At Whiteley, which has been running since 1760, 3D printing has also revitalised the business after a change of ownership in 2024.

From BBC Jul. 20, 2026

Advances in 3D printing have made the conversion devices widely available and cheap to produce.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 1, 2026

The team believes it could eventually be used in solar-powered photocatalysis, indoor air purification systems, and low-intensity 3D printing technologies.

From Science Daily Jun. 26, 2026

"I run a lot of the 3D printing and the manufacturing side rather than the design side."

From BBC May 27, 2026

We also went to the computer lab, where we learned about 3D printing, including that the queen’s costume in the movie Black Panther was mostly 3D printed!

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas

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