verb

Doppler

Doppler (verb) means (informal) To pass by while emitting a sound whose pitch changes due to the Doppler effect. Example: “The ambulance dopplered past, its siren dropping in pitch.”

verb

(informal) To pass by while emitting a sound whose pitch changes due to the Doppler effect.

"The ambulance dopplered past, its siren dropping in pitch."

How to use Doppler

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishNamed after the physicist Doppler; used informally as a verb for the pitch-shift effect of a passing sound.

Common pairings

Doppler effect Doppler radar

Word forms

dopplered past tense, dopplers singular

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The ambulance _____ past, its siren dropping in pitch.

Etymology

From the surname of Austrian physicist Christian Doppler, who first described the effect in 1842.

· First attested 1842

Class of 1842 Doppler joined the language around 1842.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Doppler” mean?

The word “Doppler” means (informal) To pass by while emitting a sound whose pitch changes due to the Doppler effect. In plain terms, named after the physicist Doppler; used informally as a verb for the pitch-shift effect of a passing sound.

How do you use “Doppler” in a sentence?

Here is “Doppler” used in a sentence: “The ambulance dopplered past, its siren dropping in pitch.”

What part of speech is “Doppler”?

“Doppler” is a verb.

Where does the word “Doppler” come from?

The word “Doppler” dates back to around 1842. From the surname of Austrian physicist Christian Doppler, who first described the effect in 1842.