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

During the Jurassic period, sharp-toothed flying reptiles with the wingspan of a modern golden eagle soared through the skies, before being wiped out by the same meteor that decimated the dinosaurs. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Nov. 2024

The meteors will appear to originate near the constellation Gemini, hence the shower's name, but will appear anywhere in the sky. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024

These meteors are particularly known for being rich in fireballs, illuminating the sky with large explosions of light and color. —Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 16 Nov. 2024

The Leonid shower typically provides a reliably decent display of meteors. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 12 Nov. 2024

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