meteor
noun
me·te·or ˈmē-tē-ər 
-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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The Perseid meteor shower, which peaked between August 11–12, is the largest shower annually. 
Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 31 Aug. 2022 The unusual event occurred less than two days after the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower, during which as many as 150 to 200 meteors an hour can be seen, far exceeding the nonpeak of 50 to 75 meteors per hour. Allison Elyse Gualtieri, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2022 Skywatchers are getting set for the Perseid meteor shower, which this year peaks in the early morning hours on Friday and Saturday. Aylin Woodward, WSJ, 11 Aug. 2022 The final supermoon of the year is going out in spectacular fashion with its grand finale sharing the night sky stage with an annual meteor shower. Joe Mario Pedersen, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Aug. 2022 Can’t make it out to see the Perseid meteor shower? Rachel Schnalzer, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2022 Tomorrow night: Clear skies allow a good view of the Perseid meteor shower, but the full moon is a problem. David Streit, Washington Post, 11 Aug. 2022 Under Canvas has officially opened its tenth safari-style glamping site—complete with nine stargazing suites—just in time for the year’s final supermoon happening this week as well as the Perseid meteor shower that peaks this weekend. Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 11 Aug. 2022 The sturgeon moon will steal the spotlight of the Perseid meteor shower peaking Thursday through Saturday. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 11 Aug. 2022 See More
Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 31 Aug. 2022 The unusual event occurred less than two days after the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower, during which as many as 150 to 200 meteors an hour can be seen, far exceeding the nonpeak of 50 to 75 meteors per hour. Allison Elyse Gualtieri, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2022 Skywatchers are getting set for the Perseid meteor shower, which this year peaks in the early morning hours on Friday and Saturday. Aylin Woodward, WSJ, 11 Aug. 2022 The final supermoon of the year is going out in spectacular fashion with its grand finale sharing the night sky stage with an annual meteor shower. Joe Mario Pedersen, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Aug. 2022 Can’t make it out to see the Perseid meteor shower? Rachel Schnalzer, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2022 Tomorrow night: Clear skies allow a good view of the Perseid meteor shower, but the full moon is a problem. David Streit, Washington Post, 11 Aug. 2022 Under Canvas has officially opened its tenth safari-style glamping site—complete with nine stargazing suites—just in time for the year’s final supermoon happening this week as well as the Perseid meteor shower that peaks this weekend. Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 11 Aug. 2022 The sturgeon moon will steal the spotlight of the Perseid meteor shower peaking Thursday through Saturday. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 11 Aug. 2022 See More 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
Phrases Containing meteor
Kids Definition
meteor
noun
me·te·or ˈmē-tē-ər
: one of the small pieces of matter in the solar system that enter the earth's atmosphere where friction may cause them to glow and form a streak of light