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 radiant — the point from which meteors appear to originate — is in the constellation Perseus, but meteors can appear anywhere in the sky. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Instead of trying to chase meteors across the sky all night, set your camera to face the southwest for the Perseids. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 The Southern Delta Aquariids are known for producing faint meteors that often leave glowing trails across the sky. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 29 July 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 5 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of meteor for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about meteor

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