red giant

noun

: a star that has low surface temperature and a diameter that is large relative to the sun

Examples of red giant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Arcturus, the fourth brightest star in the night sky is an aging red giant only 36.6 light years away. Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025 Can life survive in the solar system once the sun dies and becomes a red giant star? Paul Sutter, Space.com, 3 June 2025 The other is a red giant, a previous stage of stellar evolution in which a dying star with an expanding radius and diminishing surface temperature runs out of hydrogen fuel. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 6 Jan. 2025 Brightest among the stars captured in Meyer's colorful portrait is the aging red giant Antares, which can be found illuminating the right hand side of the cosmic vista. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for red giant

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of red giant was in 1929

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Cite this Entry

“Red giant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20giant. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

red giant

noun
: a very large star with a relatively low surface temperature

More from Merriam-Webster on red giant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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