fireball

noun

fire·​ball ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌbȯl How to pronounce fireball (audio)
1
: a ball of fire
also : something resembling such a ball
the primordial fireball associated with the beginning of the universe Scientific American
2
: a brilliant meteor that may trail bright sparks
3
: the highly luminous cloud of vapor and dust created by a nuclear explosion
4
: a highly energetic person

Examples of fireball in a Sentence

The house erupted into a fireball. what this club needs is a fireball who will bring some sorely needed energy and enthusiasm
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.
The ensuing fireballs from ignited pyrotechnics sent a plume of smoke miles into the area that was visible in Vacaville, Woodland and Sacramento before sundown. Molly Gibbs, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2025 This means that the fragment from the recent fireball that made it through the Georgia home’s roof (if verified) may mark another time that the Beta Taurids left an impression on Earth, writes Space.com. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 July 2025 The fireball that caught the attention of people across the southeastern United States is presumed to be from a meteor fragmenting in the sky, according to meteorologists and other experts. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 28 June 2025 The fireball was produced by an asteroidal fragment 3 feet in diameter, weighing over a ton, according to the scientist. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fireball

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fireball was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fireball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fireball. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

fireball

noun
fire·​ball -ˌbȯl How to pronounce fireball (audio)
1
: a ball of fire
2
: a very bright meteor
3
: the glowing cloud of vapor and dust created by a nuclear explosion

More from Merriam-Webster on fireball

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