Doppler effect

noun

: a change in the frequency with which waves (as of sound or light) from a given source reach an observer when the source and the observer are in motion with respect to each other so that the frequency increases or decreases according to the speed at which the distance is decreasing or increasing

Examples of Doppler effect 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.
The electric piano is completely left and right, and it’s got this Doppler effect in it. — Josh Weiss, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 Frequency shifts indicate the object’s speed via the Doppler effect. — IEEE Spectrum, 25 Oct. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Christian J. Doppler

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Doppler effect was in 1905

Rhymes for Doppler effect

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Browse Nearby Words

Doppler broadening
Doppler effect
dopplerite
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Cite this Entry

“Doppler effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Doppler%20effect. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

Doppler effect

noun
Dopp·​ler effect
ˈdäp-lər-
: a change in the frequency with which waves (as of sound or light) from a source reach an observer when the source and the observer are moving rapidly toward or away from each other
Etymology

named for Christian J. Doppler 1803–1853 Austrian physicist

Medical Definition

Doppler effect

noun
: a change in the frequency with which waves (as sound, light, or radio waves) from a given source reach an observer when the source and the observer are in motion with respect to each other so that the frequency increases or decreases according to the speed at which the distance is decreasing or increasing compare shift sense a

More from Merriam-Webster on Doppler effect

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Doppler effect

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