Meteoric describes something that rises or happens with spectacular speed and suddenness, like a meteor blazing across the night sky. When someone has a meteoric rise to fame, they go from unknown to celebrated almost overnight. A young actor might have a meteoric career, starring in a blockbuster film just months after their first audition.

The word comes from meteors, those brilliant streaks of light that flash across the darkness when space rocks burn up in Earth's atmosphere. Just as a meteor appears suddenly and shines intensely before vanishing, something meteoric bursts onto the scene with dazzling speed.

A basketball player might experience a meteoric improvement in their shooting skills after dedicated practice. A new technology company might see meteoric growth, expanding from a garage startup to a major business in just a few years. The word carries a sense of excitement and drama, suggesting not just speed but also brightness and impact.

One thing to note: meteoric success happens fast, but it doesn't always last. Like an actual meteor that burns brightly but briefly, meteoric rises can fade just as quickly.