What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bolide
Example
Last night, we witnessed a bolide streak across the sky before it exploded into fragments. [bolide: noun]
Example
The astronomers were excited to capture images of the bolide as it lit up the night sky. [bolide: adjective]
fireball
Example
The explosion created a massive fireball that could be seen from miles away. [fireball: noun]
Example
We were amazed by the fireball that streaked across the night sky during the meteor shower. [fireball: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fireball is more commonly used than bolide in everyday language. Fireball is a word that can be easily understood by most people, while bolide is more specific and may be unfamiliar to some.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bolide and fireball?
While bolide is typically associated with scientific or technical contexts, fireball is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
