3D Shapes Names in English with Examples and Pictures

Learning 3D shapes names in English builds strong vocabulary for describing everyday objects. These shape words like cube, cylinder, and sphere—help students and ESL learners talk clearly in both class and daily life. This list uses pictures and example sentences to make each shape easier to remember. Whether you’re studying geometry or teaching kids, this picture-based guide will help you learn each 3D shape name with usage.

Common 3D Shapes with English Names

These are the most widely used 3D shapes in English classrooms and everyday conversation:

• Cube – A cube has six equal square faces.
  Example: The gift box is shaped like a cube.
• Cuboid – A cuboid looks like a rectangular box.
  Example: The fridge is a cuboid with straight edges.
• Cylinder – A cylinder has two flat circular faces and one curved surface.
  Example: We stored pencils in a cylinder-shaped container.
• Sphere – A sphere is perfectly round with no edges or corners.
  Example: A football is a good example of a sphere.
• Cone – A cone has a round base and a pointed top.
  Example: The ice cream cone has a cone shape.
• Pyramid – A pyramid has a polygon base and triangle faces meeting at a point.
  Example: The monument was shaped like a pyramid.
• Prism – A prism has two identical polygon bases and flat sides.
  Example: A glass prism reflects sunlight into colors.

Complete List of 3D Shapes with Example Sentences

This section expands the vocabulary with more solid shapes and how to use them in context:

• Cube
  The dice is shaped like a cube.
• Cuboid
  He packed the books in a cuboid box.
• Cylinder
  The candle is a cylinder with flat circular ends.
• Sphere
  She bounced a sphere across the room.
• Cone
  He bought an ice cream in a cone.
• Pyramid
  We saw a model of a pyramid in the classroom.
• Triangular Prism
  The tent looked like a triangular prism.
• Rectangular Prism
  The refrigerator is a rectangular prism.
• Pentagonal Prism
  He built a pentagonal prism with cardboard.
• Hexagonal Prism
  The toy block was a hexagonal prism.
• Torus
  A doughnut has the shape of a torus.
• Hemisphere
  The bowl is shaped like a hemisphere.
• Octahedron
  The crystal was cut like an octahedron.
• Dodecahedron
  The math teacher showed a dodecahedron model.
• Triangular Pyramid
  She folded a paper into a triangular pyramid.
• Square Pyramid
  The cap of the tower was a square pyramid.
• Ellipsoid
  An egg is shaped like an ellipsoid.
• Oblate Sphere
  The Earth is an oblate sphere, not a perfect ball.
• Frustum
  The vase was shaped like a frustum.

Vocabulary of Round and Curved 3D Shapes

This group includes shapes with curved surfaces, useful in science and real-world objects:

• Cylinder – Found in cans, pipes, batteries
  Example: The soda can is a cylinder.
• Sphere – Seen in sports balls and bubbles
  Example: The marble is a shiny sphere.
• Cone – Seen in party hats and traffic cones
  Example: The orange sign was a cone to warn drivers.
• Torus – Circular and hollow
  Example: The ring-shaped candy looked like a torus.
• Hemisphere – Often used in geography or kitchen bowls
  Example: The dome is shaped like a hemisphere.

Names of 3D Shapes Faces, Edges, and Vertices

Knowing the parts of 3D shapes helps you describe their shapes more clearly. It makes it easier to talk about objects and understand how they are built.

Cube

• Faces: 6 (squares)
• Edges: 12
• Vertices: 8

Cuboid

• Faces: 6 (rectangles)
• Edges: 12
• Vertices: 8

Sphere

• Faces: 1 (curved surface)
• Edges: 0
• Vertices: 0

Cylinder

• Faces: 3 (2 circular + 1 curved)
• Edges: 2
• Vertices: 0

Cone

• Faces: 2 (1 circular + 1 curved)
• Edges: 1
• Vertices: 1

Square Pyramid

• Faces: 5 (1 square + 4 triangles)
• Edges: 8
• Vertices: 5

Triangular Prism

• Faces: 5 (2 triangles + 3 rectangles)
• Edges: 9
• Vertices: 6

Everyday Use of 3D Shapes in English

Real-life objects help learners remember 3D shape vocabulary better:

• A cube can be a dice or Rubik’s cube.
• A cylinder can be a can, bottle, or pipe.
• A sphere can be a globe or orange.
• A cone is used in ice cream, party hats, or signs.
• A pyramid is seen in architecture or games.
• A torus appears in lifebuoys or rings.
• A hemisphere is used in earth models and lamps.

Example: I rolled the sphere across the floor to my friend.

Picture-Based 3D Shapes List for ESL Learners

This section is great for beginners and visual learners:

• Cube – Box shape
• Cuboid – Brick shape
• Cylinder – Tube shape
• Sphere – Ball shape
• Cone – Funnel shape
• Pyramid – Triangle sides
• Torus – Ring shape
• Hemisphere – Half ball
• Prism – Long flat faces

Use flashcards, shape toys, or real-world items to connect names with objects.

What’s the Difference Between 2D and 3D Shapes?

2D shapes are flat with only height and width, while 3D shapes are solid and have depth too. The table below highlights their main differences.

Feature	2D Shapes	3D Shapes
Dimension	Length and width	Length, width, and height (depth)
Shape Type	Flat	Solid
Surface	No thickness	Has volume and surface area
Edges	Only sides	Edges, faces, and vertices
Drawn On	Flat surface (paper, screen)	Exists in space (can be held)
Examples	Circle, Square, Triangle	Sphere, Cube, Cone, Cylinder

FAQs

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