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 meteor that broke apart in the sky over Chelyabinsk, Russia, in 2013 was about 20 meters wide. —Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 6 Feb. 2025

Scientists now believe this was due to a meteor airburst. —Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025

Under ideal conditions, observers can see up to 120 meteors per hour, according to the American Meteor Society. —Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 2 Jan. 2025

The Quadrantids typically produce many fireball meteors—that is, meteors that are very bright—with up to 120 meteors per hour during the shower’s peak. —Gretchen Rundorff, WIRED, 2 Jan. 2025

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