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
What Makes the Lyrid Meteor Shower Special? Debris and particles from Comet Thatcher create the Lyrids, an annual spring meteor shower known for vibrant fireballs (astonishingly bright meteors), as well as spontaneous outbursts.
—
Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2024
In general, 10-20 Lyrid meteors can be seen per hour during their peak.
—USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2024
While this constellation isn’t formally recognized anymore, the Quadrantids’ meteors now seemingly emanate from the northern part of the constellation Boötes, the herdsman.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Jan. 2024
As mentioned above, the new moon (which sets early on the 13th) means little lunar light pollution, making meteors seem brighter.
—Nicole Clausing, Sunset Magazine, 8 Dec. 2023
The Lyrids typically produce around 10 to 20 meteors per hour under optimal conditions.
—The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2024
During meteor showers, many meteors hit Earth's atmosphere in a short period.
—Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2024
Fortunately for us, most of these small pieces of debris burn up in the atmosphere before reaching the ground — and that's what produces a meteor, or shooting star.
—Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 3 Jan. 2024
Like all meteors, the chances of spotting one in the night sky depends on several factors.
—Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 21 Dec. 2023
Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2024
In general, 10-20 Lyrid meteors can be seen per hour during their peak.
—USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2024
While this constellation isn’t formally recognized anymore, the Quadrantids’ meteors now seemingly emanate from the northern part of the constellation Boötes, the herdsman.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Jan. 2024
As mentioned above, the new moon (which sets early on the 13th) means little lunar light pollution, making meteors seem brighter.
—Nicole Clausing, Sunset Magazine, 8 Dec. 2023
The Lyrids typically produce around 10 to 20 meteors per hour under optimal conditions.
—The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2024
During meteor showers, many meteors hit Earth's atmosphere in a short period.
—Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2024
Fortunately for us, most of these small pieces of debris burn up in the atmosphere before reaching the ground — and that's what produces a meteor, or shooting star.
—Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 3 Jan. 2024
Like all meteors, the chances of spotting one in the night sky depends on several factors.
—Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 21 Dec. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'meteor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near meteor
Cite this Entry
“Meteor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meteor. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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