meteoric

adjective

me·​te·​or·​ic ˌmē-tē-ˈȯr-ik How to pronounce meteoric (audio)
-ˈär-
Synonyms of meteoricnext
1
a
: of or relating to a meteor
b
: resembling a meteor in speed or in sudden and temporary brilliance
a meteoric rise to fame
2
: of, relating to, or derived from the earth's atmosphere
meteoric water
meteorically
ˌmē-tē-ˈȯr-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce meteoric (audio)
-ˈär-
adverb

Examples of meteoric in a Sentence

a meteoric rise to fame
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 Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Affordable and efficacious, this serum played a key role in fueling The Ordinary’s meteoric rise through the ranks of skin care. — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026 Tuna experienced a meteoric rise in popularity during World War I and World War II. — Torben Rick, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026 As traffic on the road has increased with that meteoric rise, the problem has only grown more pressing. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 Learn more about Turnstile’s meteoric rise in Lawrence Burney’s cover story Turnstile Blew Up. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for meteoric

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of meteoric was in 1785

Rhymes for meteoric

See All Rhymes for meteoric

Browse Nearby Words

meteor echo
meteoric
meteoric iron
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Meteoric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meteoric. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

meteoric

adjective
me·​te·​or·​ic ˌmēt-ē-ˈȯr-ik How to pronounce meteoric (audio)
-ˈär-
1
: of or relating to a meteor
a meteoric shower
2
: resembling a meteor in speed or in sudden and temporary brilliance
a meteoric rise to fame
meteorically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce meteoric (audio)
adverb

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