# fireball

/ˈfaɪɝˌbɔɫ/ (US) · /fˈaɪəbɔːl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fireball
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. explosion

noun · CEFR B2

a large, round mass of fire and smoke caused by a sudden explosion.

For teachers: a spherical mass of fire and flame, typically resulting from a high-intensity explosion or the ignition of flammable gases.

- The fuel tank exploded in a massive fireball that could be seen for miles.
- Witnesses reported a deafening roar followed by a towering fireball that consumed the warehouse in seconds.

### 2. energetic person

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a person who has a lot of energy, strong will, and enthusiasm.

For teachers: a figurative description of a highly energetic, spirited, or strong-willed individual.

- Our new manager is a real fireball who has already changed how we work.
- Despite her age, the grandmother was a total fireball, organizing community events and hiking every weekend.

### 3. bright meteor

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a very bright meteor that looks like a ball of fire as it falls through the sky.

For teachers: a meteor that reaches a visual magnitude of -4 or brighter, often leaving a visible trail or exploding in the atmosphere.

- Astronomers tracked a rare fireball as it crossed the night sky over the desert.
- The fireball was bright enough to cast distinct shadows on the ground, suggesting it was a significant bolide entering the upper atmosphere.

### 4. fantasy weapon

noun · CEFR B2

a ball of fire created by magic and thrown at an enemy in stories or games.

For teachers: a magical projectile consisting of fire, commonly appearing in mythology, folklore, and fantasy role-playing games.

- The wizard cast a fireball to defeat the monsters in the cave.
- In many tabletop games, the fireball is a standard area-of-effect spell used to clear groups of low-level enemies.

### 6. excellent

adjective · CEFR C2 · Slang

something that is very good or impressive.

For teachers: a slang term used to describe something as excellent or high-quality.

- That new song you played is absolutely fireball.
- The party last night was fireball; everyone had a great time and the music was perfect.

## Examples

- The explosion created a massive fireball that lit up the night sky.
- Witnesses reported seeing a brilliant fireball streak across the horizon before hearing a distant sonic boom.
- The chemical plant explosion sent a massive fireball hundreds of feet into the air, necessitating an immediate evacuation of the surrounding residential districts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.