meteor

noun

me·​te·​or ˈmē-tē-ər 

-ˌȯr

1

: an atmospheric phenomenon (such as lightning or a snowfall)

2

a

: any of the small particles of matter in the solar system that are directly observable only by their incandescence from frictional heating on entry into the atmosphere

b

: the streak of light produced by the passage of a meteor

Examples of meteor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Perseids meteor shower is known for its frequency of meteors – capable of producing between 50 and 100 visible meteors per hour in a clear dark sky, according to NASA. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 21 July 2026

The latest displays come as the annual noctilucent cloud season reaches its peak, when summertime water vapor rises into the mesosphere and freezes onto tiny particles of meteor dust at the edge of space. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

This year the peak—the time when sky-gazers can expect the most meteors per minute—falls on July 28 and July 29. — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 20 July 2026

Although the eclipse itself will be very shallow, the park is among the best suited for the Perseids later that night, when low light pollution and established observing fields provide excellent meteor-viewing conditions. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 19 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English metheour, from Middle French meteore, from Medieval Latin meteorum, from Greek meteōron, from neuter of meteōros high in air, from meta- + -eōros, from aeirein to lift

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing meteor

• meteor shower

Kids Definition

meteor

noun

me·​te·​or ˈmēt-ē-ər 

-ē-ˌȯ(ə)r

: one of the small bodies of matter in the solar system observable when it falls into the earth's atmosphere where the heat of friction may cause it to glow brightly for a short time

also : the streak of light produced by the passage of a meteor