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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Scientists predict that in roughly 6 billion years, the Sun will run out of hydrogen and begin to die, transforming into a red giant. Christie Wilcox, science.org, 30 Sep. 2024 The nova, also referred to as a thermonuclear explosion, occurs when enough material from the red giant builds up in the white dwarf to power a bright outburst. Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Oct. 2024 That appears to be what happened some 4000 light-years away, allowing a planet similar in mass and orbital position to slide twice as far from its star, surviving the star’s expansion into a red giant and subsequent contraction into a white dwarf. Christie Wilcox, science.org, 30 Sep. 2024 The red giant and white dwarf have an explosive relationship. Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near red giant

Cite this Entry

“Red giant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20giant. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

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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