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

January through April is a period oddly devoid of major meteor showers, but that comes to an end with the Lyrids, a moderate shower with typical rates of 10-20 meteors per hour on the peak night. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026

Its meteor-like passage was captured in breathtaking clarity by Cindy Vejar from the city of Morgan Hill, California, who witnessed the capsule streak through the pre-dawn sky en-route to its watery landing off the coast of San Diego, as depicted in the video above. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 16 Jan. 2026

Conditions are expected to be excellent for the days before and after peak, so grab a warm drink and a blanket, settle into a chair, and enjoy one of the most dazzling meteor displays of the year. —Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 16 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

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