speed of light

noun phrase

: a fundamental physical constant that is the speed at which electromagnetic radiation propagates in a vacuum and that has a value fixed by international convention of 299,792,458 meters per second
symbol c

Examples of speed of light 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.
Think about it – all of this has happened at roughly the speed of light. John Werner, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025 In 1959, two physicists predicted another feature of relativistic motion: an object moving near the speed of light should also appear to be rotated. ArsTechnica, 31 May 2025 Transmitting at the speed of light The radio antenna in Spain where the piece is being broadcast is about 115 feet across, and is operated by the ESA. Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 26 May 2025 Everyone on Earth would clock you at the speed of light, but from your reference frame, time would completely stop. Jarred Roberts, The Conversation, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for speed of light

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of speed of light was in 1823

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Cite this Entry

“Speed of light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speed%20of%20light. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

speed of light

: a fundamental physical constant that is the speed at which electromagnetic radiation travels in a vacuum and that has a value of 299,792,458 meters per second

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