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

Chip sells insurance and still looks like old-school 2D animation, while Dale has had “C.G.I. surgery” and pines for their glory days.

From New York Times • May 5, 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

Our heritage from Studio Ghibli makes us very strong believers in 2D animation.

From The Verge • Oct. 25, 2017