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 sky was filled with stars and the occasional meteor. —Mary Robnett, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2025

The annual Quadrantids meteor shower will hit peak visibility, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere with around 25 meteors per hour, according to Ed Krupp, director of Griffith Observatory. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025

So bundle up, good luck and enjoy this meteor show(er)! —Joe Rao, Space.com, 2 Jan. 2025

Perseid meteors, for instance, appear to stream from the constellation of Perseus, and Geminid meteors seem to originate from the Gemini constellation. —Denise Chow, NBC News, 31 Dec. 2024

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