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

This year's Orionids shower is due to peak when there is a new moon, providing darker skies and ideal conditions for meteor spotting. —Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025

The meteors can streak across the sky at blistering speeds of up to 148,000 mph, so keeping a wide view helps. —Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 21 Oct. 2025

Robert Lunsford of the American Meteor Society notes that there will still be plenty of meteor activity after the peak starts, so there's no need to worry if clouds appear to ruin the show that first early morning show! —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2025

The Orionid meteor shower, which peaks in mid-October annually, is set to reach its maximum activity soon — offering skywatchers a dazzling celestial spectacle, as the fast-moving meteors occasionally become fireballs, appearing brighter than any of the stars or planets in the night sky. —Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Oct. 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