meteor
A piece of rock or metal from space that enters Earth's atmosphere and burns brightly. It is often called a shooting star because it looks like a streak of light in the night sky.
Examples
3 of 5We sat outside to watch the meteor fly across the sky.
We sat outside to watch the meteor fly across the sky.
The scientist documented the trajectory of the meteor.
The scientist documented the trajectory of the meteor.
Did you see that meteor? It was so fast!
Did you see that meteor? It was so fast!
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Remember that a meteor is in the 'air'. The word starts with 'met-', like 'met-eor' and 'atmosphere' both relate to the sky.
Quick Quiz
Look at the sky! I just saw a bright ___ fly past the moon.
Correct!
The correct answer is: meteor
Examples
We sat outside to watch the meteor fly across the sky.
everydayWe sat outside to watch the meteor fly across the sky.
The scientist documented the trajectory of the meteor.
formalThe scientist documented the trajectory of the meteor.
Did you see that meteor? It was so fast!
informalDid you see that meteor? It was so fast!
A meteor glows because of friction with the atmosphere.
academicA meteor glows because of friction with the atmosphere.
Our new marketing campaign is called 'Project Meteor' to imply speed.
businessOur new marketing campaign is called 'Project Meteor' to imply speed.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
meteoric rise
a very quick increase in success or popularity
watch a meteor shower
to observe many meteors at once
meteor trail
the path of light left by a meteor
Often Confused With
A meteor is the light in the sky; a meteorite is the rock that actually hits the ground.
A meteoroid is the rock while it is still in space, before it enters the atmosphere.
Usage Notes
Use 'meteor' when talking about the flash of light seen in the sky. If you are talking about the physical rock found on Earth, use 'meteorite'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often call it a 'star,' but it is actually a rock burning up, not a distant sun.
Memory Tip
Remember that a meteor is in the 'air'. The word starts with 'met-', like 'met-eor' and 'atmosphere' both relate to the sky.
Word Origin
From the Greek word 'meteōros', meaning 'raised high' or 'things in the air'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many cultures, seeing a meteor (shooting star) is considered good luck, and people often make a wish when they see one.
Quick Quiz
Look at the sky! I just saw a bright ___ fly past the moon.
Correct!
The correct answer is: meteor
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
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