meteorite

noun

me·​te·​or·​ite ˈmē-tē-ə-ˌrīt How to pronounce meteorite (audio)
: a meteor that reaches the surface of the earth without being completely vaporized
meteoritic adjective
or less commonly meteoritical

Examples of meteorite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Finding carbonates on Mars Previous searches for carbonates on Mars have turned up observations of carbonates in meteorites and at two craters on Mars: Gusev crater and Jezero crater. Elisabeth M. Hausrath, The Conversation, 6 May 2025 An ancient meteorite strike hit what is now Scotland significantly later than previously thought, scientists say. Patrick Pester, Space.com, 12 May 2025 Revising the shock classification of meteorites NASA. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025 Models predict that most meteorites – over half – should also be carbonaceous. Patrick M. Shober, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for meteorite

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of meteorite was in 1811

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Cite this Entry

“Meteorite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meteorite. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

meteorite

noun
me·​te·​or·​ite ˈmēt-ē-ə-ˌrīt How to pronounce meteorite (audio)
: a meteor that reaches the surface of the earth

More from Merriam-Webster on meteorite

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