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

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

Synonyms of fireball

• pistol
• dynamo

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

The Perseids can produce 80 to 100 meteors per hour, including occasional bright fireballs, making 2026 one of the best years in recent memory to watch the shower. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

But brighter meteors and fireballs should still be visible, especially in dark rural locations. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 29 July 2026

The Perseid meteor shower is also known for its fireballs — explosions of light and color that last longer than a typical meteor streak. — Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026

While the latter shower may be less active, it’s known for occasionally producing especially bright fireballs. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for fireball

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• cortisol
• ethanol
• gasohol
• gossypol
• guaiacol

Kids 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