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

The Southern Hemisphere will have the best views, with up to 60 meteors per hour streaking across the sky, while the Northern Hemisphere will see about half as many. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

The Quadrantids, for example, originate from the asteroid 2003 EH1 and produce meteors with blue or yellow-white tinges. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025

The Quadrantids originate from larger particles of material, which result in larger explosions of light and color that can persist longer than an average meteor streak. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 2 Jan. 2025

The Quadrantids can produce an average of 25 meteors per hour at peak, and under dark skies. —Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 1 Jan. 2025

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