fireball

noun

fire·​ball ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌbȯl How to pronounce fireball (audio)
1
: a ball of fire
also : something resembling such a ball
the primordial fireball associated with the beginning of the universe Scientific American
2
: a brilliant meteor that may trail bright sparks
3
: the highly luminous cloud of vapor and dust created by a nuclear explosion
4
: a highly energetic person

Examples of fireball in a Sentence

The house erupted into a fireball. what this club needs is a fireball who will bring some sorely needed energy and enthusiasm
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.
The society received a total of 17 reports of the fireball from people in the Carolinas, Tennessee and Virginia. Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2025 Residents in west London described hearing a large explosion, followed by a fireball and clouds of smoke, when the blaze ripped through the electrical substation near the airport. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025 This will, unfortunately, eliminate all but the brightest fireballs, with those in dark sky locations receiving the best show despite the lunar conditions. Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2025 In French director Luc Besson’s 1997 sci-fi cult classic, Jovovich played Leeloo, a cosmic being who represents the universe’s only defense against a giant evil fireball. John Russell, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fireball

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fireball was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fireball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fireball. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

fireball

noun
fire·​ball -ˌbȯl How to pronounce fireball (audio)
1
: a ball of fire
2
: a very bright meteor
3
: the glowing cloud of vapor and dust created by a nuclear explosion

More from Merriam-Webster on fireball

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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