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

However, sky watchers can occasionally spot hundreds of shooting stars per hour during the Draconids’ peak. — Alexiah Syrai Olsen, Sacbee.com, 30 Sep. 2026

For the best views of the moon, shooting stars, planets and more, head away from the city. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 25 Sep. 2026

Nothing is safe from this diamond touch, since even the earrings’ hooks look as scintillating as shooting stars. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026

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

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