A character in a science fiction or adventure story whose sole dramatic purpose is to get killed by the story's villain and/or intinerant monster.

Taken from the propensity of security officers on the original Star Trek series (who typically wore red uniform tops) to be killed in the epsiodes' pre-opening-credits teasers.
Methinks Lt. Jones is doomed to be just another red shirt.
by DrAstroZoom January 12, 2004
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In star trek episodes,the expendible crew member who always dies wears a red shirt .so that it has come to mean the failure or defeat of an idea or action.
Thats a good idea but, corporate is sure to red shirt it.
by Brush September 24, 2006
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A Navy term used to describe a person who's job is in Aviation Ordnance on an aircraft carrier flight deck. An ordnanceman.
If you see the 'Red Shirts' running, keep up.
by dal January 28, 2006
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In college athletics, a red shirt is a player that is on the team, but hasn't played in a game yet.

One of the previous posters is incorrect about red-shirts being walk-ons. Scholarships players are red-shirted all the time.
Johnny was given a scholarship to play quarterback, but was told by the coach that he would red shirt his freshman year until he learned the system.
by zman911 January 14, 2009
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1. A superior being with supernatural and higher quality senses.
2. The highest quality employee a company could hire
3. A cult
Red shirt is defined When someone says that you’re being a great co worker or good person
by Jamba7845 October 16, 2020
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Someone who is shure to die, or is in hella trouble.
That fed shirt fucked up

Comment submitted with request to Delete: "The person is thinking of a member of Star Fleet from the original Star Trek series. Characters wearing a red shirt are of the lowest rank and almost always die. IE - "That red shirt is going down to the planet with them. I give him three minutes 'till he's dead!"
by Pony Boy September 10, 2003
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A person whose quality of work is so poor that they are bound to be fired. Based on the Star Trek characters that suck so much at their job that they end up getting killed on always missions while all of the other officers don't even break a sweat.
Holly doesn't even know enough about her job to make a single decision. She can't even understand the basics of here own job. What a red shirt.
by The nazi mermaid February 6, 2005
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