Three-dimensional (3D) shapes are all around us, from the objects we use every day to the buildings we live and work in. Understanding the vocabulary associated with 3D shapes is essential for anyone interested in math, engineering, design, or architecture. In this article, we will explore the names and characteristics of various 3D shapes, including their pictures to make it easier to visualize them. Whether you’re a student, educator, or just someone who wants to learn more about 3D shapes, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the vocabulary needed to describe and understand these important objects. Additionally, we will provide a PDF format for you to download and keep as a reference for future use.
Names Of 3D Shapes with pictures


Names Of 3D Shapes
Word | Phonetic | Example |
---|---|---|
Cone | /koʊn/ | A traffic cone is used to redirect traffic. |
Cube | /kjuːb/ | A Rubik’s Cube is a popular puzzle game. |
Cuboid | /ˈkjuːbɔɪd/ | A cardboard box is an example of a cuboid. |
Cylinder | /ˈsɪlɪndər/ | A can of soda is shaped like a cylinder. |
Dodecahedron | /ˌdoʊdəˈkeɪhɪdrən/ | The dice used in Dungeons and Dragons have dodecahedral shape. |
Dodecagonal prism | /ˌdoʊdɪˈkæɡənəl prɪzəm/ | The crystal has a dodecagonal prism shape. |
Ellipsoid | /ɪˈlɪpsɔɪd/ | The Earth is an ellipsoid, not a perfect sphere. |
Hemisphere (half sphere) | /ˈhɛmɪsfɪr/ | A dome is an example of a hemisphere. |
Heptagonal Prism | /hɛpˈtæɡənəl prɪzəm/ | A pencil has a heptagonal prism shape. |
Heptahedron | /hɛpˈtəhiːdrən/ | A seven-sided die used in board games is a heptahedron. |
Hexagonal prism | /hɛkˈsæɡənəl prɪzəm/ | A pencil box is an example of a hexagonal prism. |
Hexahedron | /ˈhɛksəhiːdrən/ | A cube is an example of a hexahedron. |
Icosahedron | /aɪˌkoʊsəˈhiːdrən/ | Soccer balls are often designed with an icosahedral pattern. |
Nonagonal prism | /noʊˈnæɡənəl prɪzəm/ | A stop sign has a nonagonal prism shape. |
Nonahedron | /noʊˈnəhiːdrən/ | A nine-sided die used in board games is a nonahedron. |
Octagonal prism | /ɑːkˈtæɡənəl prɪzəm/ | A piece of chocolate often has an octagonal prism shape. |
Octahedron | /ˌɑːktəˈhiːdrən/ | An octahedron has 8 faces, 12 edges, and 6 vertices. |
Pentahedron | /pɛnˈtəhiːdrən/ | A tetrahedron is the simplest type of pentahedron. |
Pentagonal prism | /pɛnˈtæɡənəl prɪzəm/ | A pencil sharpener is an example of a pentagonal prism. |
Polyhedron | /pɑːliˈhiːdrən/ | A polyhedron is a solid object with flat faces and straight edges. |
Prism | /prɪzəm/ | A triangular prism is used to disperse light in photography. |
Pyramid | /ˈpɪrəmɪd/ | The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. |
Sphere | /sfɪr/ | A basketball is an example of a sphere. |
Torus | /ˈtɔːrəs/ | A donut has a toroidal shape. |
Oid Cuboid | /kjuːbɔɪd ɔɪd/ | A laptop is an example of an oid cuboid. |
Triangular prism | /traɪˈæŋɡjələr prɪzəm/ | A Toblerone chocolate bar hasa triangular prism shape. |
See more:
- Classroom Objects Vocabulary
- Daily Routines English Vocabulary
- Living Room Vocabulary with Pronunciations and Pictures