Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

Doppler shift

noun
Save Word

Definition of Doppler shift

1 : a change in frequency of an electromagnetic radiation caused by the motions of the atoms, molecules, or nuclei in the line of sight
2 : the slight displacement in the positions of the spectrum lines of light from a star or other celestial body due to the Doppler effect

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for Doppler shift

after C.J.Doppler

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Doppler shift

Statistics for Doppler shift

Cite this Entry

“Doppler shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Doppler%20shift. Accessed 20 Apr. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

Comments on Doppler shift

What made you want to look up Doppler shift? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

adulate

Listen to the pronunciation of adulate

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Name that Thing: Flower Edition

  • shrubs having opposite leaves and showy clusters of usually sterile white pink or bluish flowers
  • Name that flower
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
AlphaBear 2

Spell words. Make bears.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games