meteor shower: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowNeutral to Semi-Formal
Quick answer
What does “meteor shower” mean?
An astronomical event where numerous meteors appear to originate from a single point in the sky, caused by Earth passing through debris left by a comet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An astronomical event where numerous meteors appear to originate from a single point in the sky, caused by Earth passing through debris left by a comet.
A visually striking celestial phenomenon often associated with specific dates annually, sometimes used metaphorically to describe any rapid, numerous, or fleeting series of events.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Both use the same term.
Connotations
Identical connotations of natural spectacle and celestial event.
Frequency
Frequency of use is similar, tied to media coverage of specific events like the Perseids or Leonids.
Grammar
How to Use “meteor shower” in a Sentence
[verb] + meteor shower (e.g., watch, see, observe)meteor shower + [verb] (e.g., peaks, occurs, lights up)[adjective] + meteor shower (e.g., annual, brilliant, faint)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meteor shower” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We plan to meteor-shower watch all night.
- The sky is forecast to meteor-shower tonight.
American English
- We're going to meteor-shower gaze tonight.
- The sky will meteor-shower after midnight.
adverb
British English
- The stars fell meteor-shower-like across the heavens.
American English
- The sparks flew meteor-shower-style from the fireworks.
adjective
British English
- The meteor-shower viewing was spectacular.
- We had a proper meteor-shower night.
American English
- The meteor-shower event was amazing.
- It was a prime meteor-shower weekend.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'a meteor shower of new product launches'.
Academic
Used in astronomy, physics, and earth science contexts to describe the event and its mechanics.
Everyday
Used in planning viewing activities, discussing dates, and describing personal experiences of watching.
Technical
Used precisely to identify showers by radiant point, parent comet, ZHR (Zenithal Hourly Rate), and orbital data.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meteor shower”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “meteor shower”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meteor shower”
- Using 'meteorite shower' (incorrect, as meteorites have hit the ground).
- Confusing with 'comet' (the source of debris) or 'asteroid' (different body).
- Mispronouncing 'meteor' as /ˈmiː.tɔːr/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A meteoroid is a small particle in space. When it enters Earth's atmosphere and burns up, creating a streak of light, it's called a meteor. If a piece survives and hits the ground, it's a meteorite.
Usually after midnight and before dawn, when your location is on the leading side of Earth as it orbits, and in dark, cloud-free skies away from light pollution.
No. The particles are typically the size of grains of sand and burn up completely in the upper atmosphere, posing no threat to people on the ground.
Yes, specific showers are annual events as Earth crosses the same debris trails in its orbit. The Perseids, for example, are active every year around mid-August.
An astronomical event where numerous meteors appear to originate from a single point in the sky, caused by Earth passing through debris left by a comet.
Meteor shower is usually neutral to semi-formal in register.
Meteor shower: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmiː.ti.ə ˌʃaʊ.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmiː.t̬i.ɚ ˌʃaʊ.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A shower of stars”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Meteor + Shower = Think of the sky 'raining' streaks of light instead of water.
Conceptual Metaphor
SKY IS A CANVAS / CELESTIAL EVENTS ARE PERFORMANCES / TIME IS A CYCLE (annual showers).
Practice
Quiz
What causes a meteor shower?