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

Under clear skies and low light pollution, this year's shower could deliver between 50 and 100 meteors per hour at its peak. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2025

The meteors appear to come from the area of the constellation Perseus in the sky, NASA says, though the meteors can be seen in any part of the night sky, the American Meteor Society says. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 12 Aug. 2025

However, the presence of the full sturgeon moon in the night sky this year will make faint meteors harder to spot. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025

How many meteors can be expected during Perseid's peak? —Joyce Orlando, Nashville Tennessean, 11 Aug. 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