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

Storm forecasts on the horizon Hundreds or even thousands of shooting stars may be seen burning through Earth's skies each hour during one of these intense meteor storm events, though the distance separating micrometeoroids in space would still likely be measured on the order of miles. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 7 June 2026

What are best places to watch shooting stars? —Hali Smith june 4, Idaho Statesman, 4 June 2026

The way that Antonio’s carving stone turns the entire screen slate gray, the sparks from José’s knife popping off like shooting stars. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 21 May 2026

In the early morning hours of May 5-6, the Eta Aquarids meteor shower is expected to peak, giving stargazers the chance to see a number of shooting stars. —Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 3 May 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