meteorite

noun

me·​te·​or·​ite ˈmē-tē-ə-ˌrīt 

: a meteor that reaches the surface of the earth without being completely vaporized

meteoritic

ˌmē-tē-ə-ˈri-tik 

adjective

or less commonly meteoritical

ˌmē-tē-ə-ˈri-ti-kəl 

Examples of meteorite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But the meteorites had a slightly unusual appearance. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 3 Apr. 2025

The meteorite likely struck Earth at more than 22,370 miles per hour, according to the paper. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 7 Mar. 2025

The scientists estimated that the meteorite must have slammed into the site at more than 22,000 miles per hour. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2025

Similar organic molecules, including amino acids, have been detected in meteorites before, but these fragments of space rocks are imperfect specimens because they are studied after enduring fiery trips through Earth's atmosphere. —Denise Chow, NBC News, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for meteorite

• actinolite
• adipocyte
• amphibolite
• anorthosite
• anthophyllite
• aragonite
• carbonatite
• cassiterite
• cristobalite
• crocidolite
• diatomite
• dithionite

Kids Definition

meteorite

noun

me·​te·​or·​ite ˈmēt-ē-ə-ˌrīt 

: a meteor that reaches the surface of the earth