meteorite

noun

me·​te·​or·​ite ˈmē-tē-ə-ˌrīt How to pronounce meteorite (audio)
: a meteor that reaches the surface of the earth without being completely vaporized
meteoritic
ˌmē-tē-ə-ˈri-tik How to pronounce meteorite (audio)
adjective
or less commonly meteoritical
ˌmē-tē-ə-ˈri-ti-kəl How to pronounce meteorite (audio)

Examples of meteorite 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.
Its ice has collected meteorites that arrive from extraterrestrial sources. — Daniella McCahey, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026 The Peekskill meteorite fall captivated scientists and the public alike due to the high amount of film and photo coverage of its meteor descent. — Hanneke Weitering, Space.com, 9 Oct. 2026 This jagged microscopic debris, easily dispersed by meteorite impacts and rocket exhaust, is corrosive, abrasive and adhesive. — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026 There are seagull puppets, a tandem bicycle, an oil stain in the shape of a rabbit, a meteorite. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for meteorite

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of meteorite was in 1811

Rhymes for meteorite

See All Rhymes for meteorite

Browse Nearby Words

meteorital
meteorite
meteoritic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Meteorite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meteorite. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

meteorite

noun
me·​te·​or·​ite ˈmēt-ē-ə-ˌrīt How to pronounce meteorite (audio)
: a meteor that reaches the surface of the earth

More from Merriam-Webster on meteorite

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about meteorite

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