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 rural Spanish skies, particularly in dark-sky regions away from towns and cities, observers could see 30 to 50 meteors per hour, with occasional bursts producing even more. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 14 July 2026

But these showers are not known for producing nearly as many meteors in the northern hemisphere. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Just hours later, the annual Perseid meteor shower will peak under dark, moonless skies, promising dozens of meteors per hour. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Because these meteors tend to be faint, a waning gibbous moon (98 percent illumination) will wash out all but the brightest shooting stars. — Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026

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