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

This is because velocities induced by a local void and its gravitational effect slightly increase the redshift in addition to that caused by cosmic expansion. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 9 July 2025

The gravitational effects of such a void add a small redshift to the light from distant objects—on top of the redshift caused by the overall expansion of the universe. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025

Every celestial object visible to the naked eye is too close to exhibit this effect and thus has a redshift of zero. —Riis Williams, Scientific American, 13 June 2024

The earlier and thus further away an object is, the greater the redshift. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 30 May 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