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.
Phase 2 begins when the fragment reaches denser air, and the meteor begins to brighten. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Morris likened the situation to planning for a meteor strike. — Wufei Yu, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 The month brought the Perseid meteor shower, one of the year’s most popular meteor showers with bright meteors streaking across the summer sky. — Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 27 Aug. 2026 Sonic booms, volcanic eruptions and meteor airbursts can produce similar atmospheric shock waves, potentially creating other natural seismic sources. — Nolan Roth, Scientific American, 23 Aug. 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

Phrases Containing meteor

Browse Nearby Words

meteograph
meteor
Meteor Crater
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Meteor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meteor. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about meteor

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