firecracker

noun

fire·​crack·​er ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌkra-kər How to pronounce firecracker (audio)
: a usually paper cylinder containing an explosive and a fuse and set off to make a noise

Examples of firecracker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That puts it in the same range as a firecracker, or a jet engine taking off some 330 feet away. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Feb. 2024 By the Tang, Song and Qing Dynasties from 960 to 1911, traditions became similar to those of the modern day, with firecrackers, dumplings, and spending time with friends and families. Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2024 By the Tang, Song and Qing Dynasties from 960 to 1911, traditions became similar to the modern day, with firecrackers, dumplings, and spending time with friends and families. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 Dinner features multiple courses, a firecracker show, magicians, and tarot card readers. Detroit Free Press, 23 Feb. 2024 As Alison’s closeted father, Bruce, an intense Brent Roberts plays the role like a fizzling firecracker ready to pop. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2024 This is why wearing the fiery color, along with hanging red banners and lighting firecrackers or fireworks, are Lunar New Year traditions, all of which are still followed today. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2024 Amid the loud pops of firecrackers, thousands of people gathered as dozens of floats rolled from Market and Second streets to Chinatown on a balmy Saturday to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Karl Mondon, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2024 All are welcome to enjoy the Lunar New Year festivities, which kick off at 7:15 a.m. with lion dancers and a traditional lighting of 100,000 firecrackers, and features vendors and booths. Kamren Curiel, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'firecracker.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of firecracker was in 1823

Dictionary Entries Near firecracker

Cite this Entry

“Firecracker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firecracker. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

firecracker

noun
fire·​crack·​er -ˌkrak-ər How to pronounce firecracker (audio)
: a paper tube containing an explosive and set off to make a noise

More from Merriam-Webster on firecracker

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