meteoroid

noun

me·​te·​or·​oid ˈmē-tē-ə-ˌrȯid How to pronounce meteoroid (audio)
1
: a meteor particle itself without relation to the phenomena it produces when entering the earth's atmosphere
2
: a meteor in orbit around the sun
meteoroidal adjective

Examples of meteoroid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Tiny meteoroids are constantly striking satellites, and with ejecta from YR4's impact measuring only 0.1-10 mm in size, satellites wouldn't suffer catastrophic damage. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 What's the difference between an asteroid, a meteoroid, a meteorite and a comet? Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 When these objects are still hurtling through space, they’re known as meteoroids. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 July 2025 Though lunar impacts have become less frequent over time, tiny meteoroids still create dents in the Moon every day. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for meteoroid

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of meteoroid was in 1865

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Meteoroid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meteoroid. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

meteoroid

noun
me·​te·​or·​oid ˈmēt-ē-ə-ˌrȯid How to pronounce meteoroid (audio)
: a meteor revolving around the sun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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