fireball

noun

fire·​ball ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌbȯl How to pronounce fireball (audio)
Synonyms of fireballnext
1
: a ball of fire
also : something resembling such a ball
… the primordial fireball associated with the beginning of the universe. —Scientific American
2
: a brilliant meteor that may trail bright sparks
3
: the highly luminous cloud of vapor and dust created by a nuclear explosion
4
: a highly energetic person

Synonyms of fireball

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Examples of fireball in a Sentence

The house erupted into a fireball. what this club needs is a fireball who will bring some sorely needed energy and enthusiasm
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.
Several heavy explosions shook Kuhestak, with fireballs that lighted up the night sky, according to security camera recordings carried by the semiofficial news agency Fars. — David Rising, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 This brightening continues until phase 3, at which point the space rock becomes a fireball. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026 For example, when first downloading the app, users are directed to choose an avatar with choices that include a unicorn or a wizard holding a fireball. — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026 While unrelated to August’s more prolific Perseid meteor shower, the Epsilon Perseids are still known for producing occasional bright fireballs and luminous streaks. — Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fireball

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Rhymes for fireball

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Browse Nearby Words

fire back
fireball
fireballer
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Cite this Entry

“Fireball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fireball. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fireball

noun
fire·​ball -ˌbȯl How to pronounce fireball (audio)
1
: a ball of fire
2
: a very bright meteor
3
: the glowing cloud of vapor and dust created by a nuclear explosion

More from Merriam-Webster on fireball

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fireball

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