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.
Outdoor sauna options range from barrel and cabin builds to portable infrared tents at different price points, and most require planning for electrical hookups. — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026 Each has an ofuro tub, steam shower, infrared sauna, relaxing area to take tea and fruit after a treatment, and an outside garden area with a plunge pool and an outdoor shower. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026 The photos show a full look at the upcoming Deep Royal Blue/Black colorway, which also blends in portions of light ice blue and infrared accents. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 The 6,200-square-foot venue spans two levels and features a 700-square-foot dry sauna, an infrared sauna and a 46-degree cold plunge, with dim communal areas built in to encourage guests to linger and talk. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 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 24 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

infrared

adjective
: 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
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster