What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
comet
Example
The comet will be visible in the night sky for the next few weeks. [comet: noun]
Example
Scientists are studying the composition of comets to learn more about the solar system. [comets: plural noun]
meteor
Example
We saw a meteor streak across the sky last night. [meteor: noun]
Example
The meteor shower will peak tonight, so let's go stargazing. [meteor: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Meteor is more commonly used than comet in everyday language. Meteor is often used to describe shooting stars or meteor showers, which are more frequently observed phenomena. Comet, on the other hand, is a rarer event that captures people's attention and fascination.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between comet and meteor?
Both comet and meteor are used in a scientific context and can be considered formal words. However, meteor is more commonly used in casual conversations and is more versatile in different formality levels.
