fireball

Everyday

1. A ball of fire, such as one made by an explosion. tree →
2. A very bright meteor (shooting star) that burns up in the sky. tree →
3. A lively, energetic person (informal). tree →

In the lessons

In science, a fireball is an extra-bright meteor: a space rock burning up in the air. In safety, fireballs from explosions show why gas and fireworks are dangerous. In fantasy stories and games, wizards throw fireballs. Phrases: «a ball of fire», «fireball in the sky».

Examples

• We saw a fireball streak across the night sky. tree →
• The gas explosion made a huge fireball. tree →
• The wizard threw a fireball at the dragon. tree →
• Fireballs are meteors that burn very brightly. tree →
• My little cousin is a real fireball of energy. tree →
• Fireworks can make fireballs, so only adults should light them. tree →
• Nearer and nearer gleamed fireballs of eyes, and the light of its hundred feet began to throw reflections in the still waters of the lake. tree →

Note

Countable: fireballs. One word. A fireball meteor is a rock burning in the air, not a ball of fire from the Sun.