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

The Leonids Named after the constellation Leo, which is where the meteors appear to originate from, this meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through a trail of dust and particles left behind by the 55P/Tempel-Tuttle comet. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026

Beyond stars, visitors may also see meteors and northern lights. —Eve Chen, USA Today, 1 Mar. 2026

This month, learn about comets and meteors. —Dean Regas, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Feb. 2026

Away from the city center, where there's no light pollution, take in incredible blankets of stars, constellations, and even meteors. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 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