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meteoric

adjective me·te·or·ic \ ˌmē-tē-ˈȯr-ik , -ˈär- \
|Updated on: 5 Jun 2018

Definition of meteoric

1 a : of or relating to a meteor
b : resembling a meteor in speed or in sudden and temporary brilliance
  • a meteoric rise to fame
2 : of, relating to, or derived from the earth's atmosphere
  • meteoric water
—

meteorically

play \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See meteoric defined for English-language learners

See meteoric defined for kids

Examples of meteoric in a Sentence

  1. a meteoric rise to fame

Recent Examples of meteoric from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'meteoric.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of meteoric

1785

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

Other Astronomy Terms

gibbous, nadir, nebulous, penumbra, retrograde, sidereal, syzygy, wane, wax, zenith

METEORIC Defined for English Language Learners

meteoric

adjective

Definition of meteoric for English Language Learners

  • : very sudden or fast

  • : marked by very quick success

METEORIC Defined for Kids

meteoric

adjective me·te·or·ic \ ˌmē-tē-ˈȯr-ik \

Definition of meteoric for Students

1 : of or relating to a meteor
  • meteoric impacts
2 : like a meteor in speed or in sudden and temporary success
  • a meteoric career

Learn More about meteoric

  1. See words that rhyme with meteoric Spanish Central: Translation of meteoric Nglish: Translation of meteoric for Spanish speakers

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