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 meteor can be seen to the left of the image just below the curve of Earth's horizon. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2026

The peak of a shower occurs when Earth passes closest to the comet that produces the meteors. —Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026

This is when the sky is most active, with approximately 15 to 20 meteors per hour drifting across dark skies. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026

However, the Lyrid meteors aren’t the only showers expected in the Boise area on Tuesday. —Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 21 Apr. 2026

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