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

Barring weather conditions, this should allow even the faintest shooting stars to be seen at rates between 50 to 75 meteors per hour. —Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026

This time, John (Gerard Butler), Allison (Morena Baccarin), and their teen son, Nathan (Roman Griffin Davis), flee their protective bunker for brighter horizons amid atmospheric horrors and a hail of fiery meteors. —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2026

These two are usually excellent showers, with as many as 100 and even 150 meteors per hour, respectively (though, honestly, usually fewer). —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 8 Jan. 2026

Astronomers caution that the radiant is not a good guide for where stargazers should look to view the streaking meteors, which should be visible across the night sky. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 Jan. 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