meteora
feminine
The English phrase "meteor" is translated into Italian as meteora.
The term meteora refers to a streak of light in the sky. In more poetic or informal contexts, Italians may use the phrase stella cadente to describe the same phenomenon.
Meaning: streak of light (noun)
Which one should you use?
meteora is the formal term for a meteor, while stella cadente is an informal way to say "falling star".
How does it change in a sentence?
Both meteora and the informal phrase stella cadente are feminine.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word meteora can be used figuratively to describe a person or a success that appears suddenly and vanishes just as quickly.
- The term meteora sounds very similar to the famous Greek rock formations known as the 'Meteora'. Both share the same linguistic origin meaning 'things in the air'.
- Because stella cadente is the common way to refer to meteors, it is also the phrase used when people make a wish. In Italian culture, seeing a 'falling star' is a moment for silent prayer or a wish.
Examples in context
- Un meteoroide in fiamme produce una meteora.A burning meteoroid produces a meteor.This sentence demonstrates how a burning meteoroid results in a meteora.Tatoeba #984065 by riccioberto, translation #326654 by CM
- Ho visto diverse stelle cadenti ieri sera.I saw several shooting stars last night
Example conversation
Sofia and Alessandro are looking at the night sky.
- SofiaAlessandro, guarda là! È una meteora!Alessandro, look there! It's a meteor!
- AlessandroAccidenti, è stata velocissima!Wow, it was so fast!
- SofiaSpero di vederne un'altra meteora.I hope to see another meteor.
- AlessandroSperiamo, resta a guardare.Let's hope, keep watching.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “meteor” translations and entries meteora, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
