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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The next shower to peak is the Eta Aquariids on May 5-6, when sky-gazers can expect to see less than 10 meteors per hour because of the interfering moonlight, according to the American Meteor Society. Lily Hautau, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026 Another meteor was seen on March 17 over Ohio and Pennsylvania. Briana Alvarado, ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026 Like a rare daylight-visible meteor, a brilliant red fireball flashed before my eyes, interrupting a mindless moment of communion with nature. Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026 See our meteor shower calendar There are a number of significant meteor shower events that are expected to peak soon, offering great opportunities to see more meteors (shooting stars). Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for meteor

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

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Cite this Entry

“Meteor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meteor. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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

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