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.
That's 83 Ursae Majoris, a red giant star roughly 80 times larger and about 1,300 times more luminous than the sun. Joe Rao, Space.com, 9 June 2025 This may become particularly relevant when the proximate red giant star known as Betelgeuse, located around 700 light-years away, goes supernova. Robert Lea, Space.com, 13 June 2025 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 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 15 Jul. 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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