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
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The Soviet rockets actually went beyond the stratosphere to another layer, called the mesosphere, where meteors falling toward Earth burn into shooting stars.
—
Carl Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Feb. 2025
Early each January, the Quadrantid meteor stream provides one of the most intense annual meteor displays, with a brief, sharp maximum lasting only a few hours.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 2 Jan. 2025
That window, otherwise known as the shower's peak activity, is when stargazers will want to be on the lookout for meteors.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 2 Jan. 2025
Not only that, but the Quadrantids can often feature bright fireball meteors that can light up any part of the night sky.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
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Carl Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Feb. 2025
Early each January, the Quadrantid meteor stream provides one of the most intense annual meteor displays, with a brief, sharp maximum lasting only a few hours.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 2 Jan. 2025
That window, otherwise known as the shower's peak activity, is when stargazers will want to be on the lookout for meteors.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 2 Jan. 2025
Not only that, but the Quadrantids can often feature bright fireball meteors that can light up any part of the night sky.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for meteor
Cite this Entry
“Meteor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meteor. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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