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

In one telling, the Graces were meteors who fell from the sky, sparked the first growth on earth, and morphed into goddesses. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026

Phase 2 begins when the fragment reaches denser air, and the meteor begins to brighten. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Look for the radiant of this shower, capable of producing five to eight meteors per hour, in the constellation Perseus. — Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2026

Morris likened the situation to planning for a meteor strike. — Wufei Yu, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 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