infrared

adjective

in·​fra·​red ˌin-frə-ˈred How to pronounce infrared (audio)
-(ˌ)frä-
-fə-
1
: situated outside the visible spectrum at its red end
used of radiation having a wavelength between about 700 nanometers and 1 millimeter
2
: relating to, producing, or employing infrared radiation
infrared therapy
3
: sensitive to infrared radiation
infrared sensors that detect body heat
infrared noun

Examples of infrared 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.
Bright red lava flows stand out starkly against the vivid green vegetation of the surrounding landscape, made more vibrant by combining visible light observations with infrared imagery. Brett Tingley, Space.com, 13 Mar. 2026 Some drones also are equipped with infrared systems. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 12 Mar. 2026 The top layer is a long-range detection network linked with Thales Alenia Space geostationary satellites, which monitor infrared signatures associated with missile launches. David Szondy march 12, New Atlas, 12 Mar. 2026 Sprawling galaxies and cosmic structures that expand for light-years have often been the focus of the observatory’s infrared gaze, but so have distant, faint objects. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for infrared

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of infrared was in 1881

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Infrared.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infrared. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

infrared

adjective
in·​fra·​red ˌin-frə-ˈred How to pronounce infrared (audio)
-(ˌ)frä-
: being, relating to, producing, or using rays like light but lying outside the visible spectrum at its red end
infrared radiation
infrared noun

Medical Definition

infrared

1 of 2 adjective
in·​fra·​red ˌin-frə-ˈred How to pronounce infrared (audio)
1
: lying outside the visible spectrum at its red end
used of radiation having a wavelength between about 700 nanometers and 1 millimeter
2
: relating to, producing, or employing infrared radiation
infrared therapy

infrared

2 of 2 noun
: infrared radiation

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