Fireball

/ˈfaɪəbɔːl/ · noun

Meaning

A ball of fire, especially one associated with an explosion, or (fiction, mythology) thrown as a weapon..

Definitions by Sense

1. A ball of fire, especially one associated with an explosion, or (fiction, mythology) thrown as a weapon.
2. A feisty, strong-willed person.
3. Synonym of fastball (“a high-speed pitch of a baseball”).
4. (astronautics) A bright glow caused by a spacecraft re-entering an atmosphere.
5. (astronomy) A meteor bright enough to cast shadows; a bolide.
6. (sailing) A class of sailing dinghy with a single trapeze and a symmetrical spinnaker, sailed by a crew of two.
7. (weaponry, historical) A bag or ball filled with combustible material which is thrown as a weapon or to set something alight.
8. An emanation of St. Elmo's fire; also (later), of ball lightning.

Example Sentences

He placed his arms in a blocking position, but even so, the fireball threw all three of them, Kylie, Percival, and Kelly, onto the wall.

At 7:45 p.m. there was a sudden “whooshing” noise, and a mercilessly intense fireball exploded from under the escalator, ballooned up into the ticket hall and ignited all combustible material in the area. As a result of the flashover of the fireball, the temperature rose by several hundred degrees in a matter of seconds, and it was believed that it reached 600°C with zero visibility.

In a moment, he was caught by the blast. He threw up his arms to cover his head as the surge of energy created by the fireball threw him aside.

At the time of this photo, Royal Marine Gunner Bryan Gasson is pretty much dead centre in this photo, and yes, that means he is literally inside that socking great fireball as the magazines detonate.

As Elon Musk returns his focus to his businesses, one of his most important companies just had another setback: A SpaceX Starship rocket exploded in an immense fireball Wednesday during a routine ground test.

But ſure in a family it bodeth moſt bad, vvhen tvvo firebals (huſbands and vvives anger) come both together.

Her folks have a lot of money. I've never seen her, but she must be quite a fireball.

And Lydia's a sassy little fireball. Today's her first day of first grade, and I'm just glad her teacher hasn't had to call.

Synonyms for fireball

Antonyms for fireball

Related Words

Word Forms

• fireballs
• fireballing
• fireballed

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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