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

redshifted

ˈred-ˈshif-təd 

adjective

Examples of redshift in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Launched in 2023, Euclid is a wide-angle space telescope developed to learn more about the history and expansion of the universe by studying the redshift of distant galaxies. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

This phenomenon is called redshift—and the farther away an object is, the higher the redshift. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Feb. 2025

All will conduct redshift surveys of galaxies to assemble vast 3D maps of galactic distribution. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 28 Jan. 2025

Astronomers call a shift to longer wavelengths a redshift. —Chris Impey, The Conversation, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for redshift

• adrift
• airlift
• facelift
• festschrift
• forklift
• gearshift
• makeshift
• sealift
• snowdrift
• spendthrift
• clift
• drift

Kids Definition

redshift

noun

red·​shift ˈred-ˈshift 

: displacement of a spectrum especially of a heavenly body toward longer wavelengths