fireball
noun
fire·ball
ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌbȯl 
1
: a ball of fire
also
: something resembling such a ball
the primordial fireball associated with the beginning of the universe —
Scientific American
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
However, it is known for its bright fireballs, which are large, slow-moving meteors that can outshine the stars.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Both the Northern Taurid and Southern Taurid meteor streams are currently active, which could give rise to spectacular fireball events in the period leading up to their separate peaks in early November.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2025
The Orionid meteor shower, which peaks in mid-October annually, is set to reach its maximum activity soon — offering skywatchers a dazzling celestial spectacle, as the fast-moving meteors occasionally become fireballs, appearing brighter than any of the stars or planets in the night sky.
—Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Oct. 2025
Xpeng's AeroHT flying car unit has rebranded after an embarrassing air show fireball, and the Chinese company has announced a very Joby-esque long-range, high-speed air taxi to go along with some of its more bizarre offerings.
—Loz Blain
october 16, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fireball
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Both the Northern Taurid and Southern Taurid meteor streams are currently active, which could give rise to spectacular fireball events in the period leading up to their separate peaks in early November.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2025
The Orionid meteor shower, which peaks in mid-October annually, is set to reach its maximum activity soon — offering skywatchers a dazzling celestial spectacle, as the fast-moving meteors occasionally become fireballs, appearing brighter than any of the stars or planets in the night sky.
—Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Oct. 2025
Xpeng's AeroHT flying car unit has rebranded after an embarrassing air show fireball, and the Chinese company has announced a very Joby-esque long-range, high-speed air taxi to go along with some of its more bizarre offerings.
—Loz Blain
october 16, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fireball
Cite this Entry
“Fireball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fireball. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fireball
noun
fire·ball
-ˌbȯl
1
: a ball of fire
2
: a very bright meteor
3
: the glowing cloud of vapor and dust created by a nuclear explosion
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