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

However, cloud cover from nearby Typhoon Yagi could make fireball observations difficult. —Monica Garrett, CNN, 4 Sep. 2024

Instead, the asteroid simply created a dazzling spectacle for people in the area, streaking across the sky as a bright fireball. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Sep. 2024

The Perseids, considered one of the brightest meteor showers of the year, could bring dozens upon dozens of shooting stars, and even vibrant fireballs, to our skies mid-month. —Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2024

That's because fireballs originate from larger particles. —Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 23 July 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