shooting star

noun

1

: a visual meteor appearing as a temporary streak of light in the night sky

2

: any of several North American perennial herbs (genus Primula, especially P. meadia) of the primrose family that have entire oblong leaves and showy flowers with reflexed petals

3

: one resembling a shooting star especially in sudden and temporary brilliance

Examples of shooting star in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Geminids are visible in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, though a nearly full moon could wash out some fainter shooting stars in this year’s show. —Denise Chow, NBC News, 13 Dec. 2024

Here’s what to know about the upcoming shooting star display. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Dec. 2024

But the days before and after the peak can offer views of shooting stars as well. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 12 Dec. 2024

When the meteor shower peaks in activity, observers should have the chance to see shooting stars whizzing across the sky at dizzying speeds of about 44 miles per second. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 15 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

shooting star

noun

: a meteor appearing as a temporary streak of light in the night sky