fireball

noun

fire·​ball ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌbȯl 

1

: a ball of fire

also : something resembling such a ball

the primordial fireball associated with the beginning of the universe

—Scientific American

2

: a brilliant meteor that may trail bright sparks

3

: the highly luminous cloud of vapor and dust created by a nuclear explosion

4

: a highly energetic person

Synonyms

• dynamo
• live wire
• pistol

Examples of fireball in a Sentence

The house erupted into a fireball.

what this club needs is a fireball who will bring some sorely needed energy and enthusiasm

Recent Examples on the Web

The bigger particles can produce what are known as fireballs, meteors that are brighter than the planet Venus, according to NASA. —Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 20 Oct. 2024

This is particularly important when cooking inside an RV or small space, preventing hazardous gas from filling the small space and causing a breathing hazard or fireball flare-up. —New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2024

Be on the lookout for streaking meteors and fireballs — the Orionid meteors are expected to peak overnight Sunday and Monday before dawn each day, according to NASA. —Kelly Tyko, Axios, 19 Oct. 2024

The Orionids may even produce unusually bright meteors known as fireballs. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

fireball

noun

fire·​ball -ˌbȯl 

1

: a ball of fire

2

: a very bright meteor

3

: the glowing cloud of vapor and dust created by a nuclear explosion