meteor

noun

me·​te·​or ˈmē-tē-ər How to pronounce meteor (audio)
-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 When a space rock enters the atmosphere on its own and burns up, it's called a meteor, or shooting star. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 22 Feb. 2024 This means that gazers in the Southern Hemisphere may see fewer Lyrid meteors. Ria Gupta, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2024 Late last year, a new study reignited the age-old argument over just what caused the mass extinction of the ancient beasts 66 million years ago, positing that volcanic eruptions – not just the infamous meteor – played a role in wiping out the dinosaurs. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2024 But while meteor showers are named after constellations, the constellations are not the source of the meteors. Jennifer Hassan, Washington Post, 3 Jan. 2024 Watch near the Ursa Minor constellation that night and evening to see up to three meteors per hour. Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 2 Jan. 2024 And of course the stakes are raised for the theatrical release when a magical meteor crash lands in Adventure City. Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 6 Oct. 2023 Moving at a rate of up to 50 meteors per hour, the shower will be more visible in the Southern Hemisphere at a low position in the sky. Ria Gupta, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2024 The Leonids produced a meteor storm in 1966 and again in 2002. Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 16 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'meteor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of meteor was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near meteor

Cite this Entry

“Meteor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meteor. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

meteor

noun
me·​te·​or ˈmēt-ē-ər How to pronounce meteor (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on meteor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!