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

The Taurids are not the only significant meteor display in November. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 10 Nov. 2025

When the two showers are active at the same time around this time of year, there can be an increase in fireball activity—typically producing around 10 meteors per hour. —Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025

This meteor shower does not have a strong peak — there may only be five meteors an hour, said Robert Lunsford, fireball report coordinator for the American Meteorological Society. —Gina Park, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025

Astronomers say late October is still best time to watch these meteors, which can streak by at 20 per hour. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Nov. 2025

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