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

Only up to 10-15 meteors per hour will be visible under ideal conditions. —Steven Sosna, CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025

The Leonid meteor shower will peak tonight and will feature some of the fastest meteors. —Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 17 Nov. 2025

The Leonid meteor shower is known for producing spectacular meteor storms on occasion, when hundreds, or even thousands of meteors can be seen brightening the night sky each hour. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 16 Nov. 2025

Showers and storms While a meteor shower is expected this year, the Leonids are known for occasionally producing tremendous meteor storms, with at least 1,000 meteors per hour. —Gina Park, CNN Money, 16 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