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

However, barring interference from the moonlight, the shower may bring up to 120 meteors per hour at its peak, according to NASA. —Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 4 Dec. 2024

Shooting stars, supernovas, meteors, and comets will all be caught on camera. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 3 Dec. 2024

According to physics and astronomy site The Secrets of the Universe, 65 percent of Gemini meteors are white, 26 percent are yellow, and the rest are blue, red, and green. —Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2024

Red lights are essential for star gazing, and these days everyone is going to dark-sky parks and peering at the stars, meteors, and northern lights. —Alison Osius, Outside Online, 26 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