redshift
noun
red·shift
ˈred-ˈshift 
: a displacement of the spectrum of a celestial body toward longer wavelengths that is a consequence of the Doppler effect or the gravitational field of the source
also
: a measurement of a celestial body's redshift equal to the ratio of the displacement of a spectral line to its known unshifted wavelength and used especially to calculate the body's distance from earth
Examples of redshift in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The precise nature of the clocks will also be used to measure the gravitational redshift of the Earth, which will enable scientists to refine their understanding of Einstein’s theory of Relativity.
—
Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Evidence for large baryonic feedback at low and intermediate redshifts from kinematic Sunyaev-Zel'dovich observations with ACT and DESI photometric galaxies.
—Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Cosmic expansion stretches the wavelength of light – a phenomenon known as redshift.
—Ashley Ross, The Conversation, 16 Apr. 2025
The bigger the redshift, the faster a galaxy moves away from us, and the Hubble constant can be calculated from this.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 18 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for redshift
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.
Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Evidence for large baryonic feedback at low and intermediate redshifts from kinematic Sunyaev-Zel'dovich observations with ACT and DESI photometric galaxies.
—Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Cosmic expansion stretches the wavelength of light – a phenomenon known as redshift.
—Ashley Ross, The Conversation, 16 Apr. 2025
The bigger the redshift, the faster a galaxy moves away from us, and the Hubble constant can be calculated from this.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 18 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for redshift
Cite this Entry
“Redshift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redshift. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
redshift
noun
red·shift
ˈred-ˈshift
: displacement of a spectrum especially of a heavenly body toward longer wavelengths
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share