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

An open-eyed believer in a future of sunlight, even with storm clouds and meteors on the horizon. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026

The fireball is the latest in a series of meteor and fireball sightings that have been getting attention across the country, including one on March 17 that broke apart over Ohio, one on March 21 that was seen in Texas and one on March 22 that was seen in California. —Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026

Yet another meteor has entered the Earth's atmosphere. —Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026

What Jenkins saw was a fireball, a particularly bright meteor that can be seen up to 80 miles (129 kilometers) above the Earth, according to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland. —ABC News, 24 Mar. 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