meteoric

adjective

me·​te·​or·​ic ˌmē-tē-ˈȯr-ik How to pronounce meteoric (audio)
-ˈär-
Synonyms of meteoricnext
1
a
: of or relating to a meteor
b
: resembling a meteor in speed or in sudden and temporary brilliance
a meteoric rise to fame
2
: of, relating to, or derived from the earth's atmosphere
meteoric water
meteorically
ˌmē-tē-ˈȯr-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce meteoric (audio)
-ˈär-
adverb

Examples of meteoric in a Sentence

a meteoric rise to fame
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.
From there, his rise was meteoric. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 18 June 2026 Even with that meteoric growth, podcasting is still on the rise. — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 The elder Freeman is well versed in meteoric rises. — Michael Silver, New York Times, 23 June 2026 May’s rise in coaching has been meteoric, particularly the last four seasons. — Schuyler Dixon, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for meteoric

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of meteoric was in 1785

Rhymes for meteoric

See All Rhymes for meteoric

Browse Nearby Words

meteor echo
meteoric
meteoric iron
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Meteoric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meteoric. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

meteoric

adjective
me·​te·​or·​ic ˌmēt-ē-ˈȯr-ik How to pronounce meteoric (audio)
-ˈär-
1
: of or relating to a meteor
a meteoric shower
2
: resembling a meteor in speed or in sudden and temporary brilliance
a meteoric rise to fame
meteorically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce meteoric (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on meteoric

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for meteoric

Nglish: Translation of meteoric for Spanish Speakers

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