shooting star

noun

1

: a visual meteor appearing as a temporary streak of light in the night sky

2

: any of several North American perennial herbs (genus Primula, especially P. meadia) of the primrose family that have entire oblong leaves and showy flowers with reflexed petals

3

: one resembling a shooting star especially in sudden and temporary brilliance

Examples of shooting star in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Far from the light pollution of cities, stargazing at sea can be spectacular, with opportunities to spot constellations, shooting stars, and, under the right conditions, the Milky Way. — Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2026

Perseid shooting stars appear as Earth enters the debris trail cast off by the icy comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2026

The Adler explains that, while meteors are colloquially recognized as shooting stars, they are not caused by stars but rather rocks and metal bits from comets burning in Earth’s atmosphere when the planet runs into a trail of debris. — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

Where to watch shooting stars in Idaho Idaho is an ideal destination for stargazing, according to the Idaho Conservation League. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shooting star

• abattoir
• alcazar
• autocar
• avatar
• belshazzar
• caviar
• caviare
• cinnabar
• commissar
• condylar
• deodar
• handlebar

Kids Definition

shooting star

noun

: a meteor appearing as a temporary streak of light in the night sky