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

Fireballs, large explosions of light and color, can persist even longer than an average meteor streak, NASA says. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 May 2026

Because these meteors appear to radiate from a position low on the eastern horizon for mid-northern latitudes, watchers in the tropics are best placed. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 4 May 2026

Experts at the American Meteor Society recommend staring directly at the shower, as meteors can streak across any part of the sky. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026

During those hours, the shower will show 15 to 20 meteors per hour under dark skies. —Jorge Garay, Wired News, 21 Apr. 2026

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