firework

noun

fire·​work ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌwərk 

plural fireworks

1

: a device for producing a striking display by the combustion of explosive or flammable compositions

setting off fireworks

2

fireworks plural : a display of fireworks

a celebration marked by fireworks

A large crowd gathered to watch the fireworks.

a spectacular fireworks display

Of course there is more to the Fourth of July than fireworks.

—John Updike

3

fireworks plural

a

: a display of temper or intense conflict

expecting fireworks during the debate

… director Jack Hofsiss, in his film debut, and screenwriter David Rabe … fill the screen with raw emotional fireworks.

—People Weekly

b

: strong feelings of usually romantic or sexual attraction between two people

… Hollywood has done a pretty convincing job of making so many of us believe that if there aren't immediate fireworks between two people, then it's time to walk away.

—Tayi Sanusi

c

: a spectacular display

the fireworks of autumn leaves

Word Icons

Did you know?

The word fireworks burst upon the scene in the 1500s as a reference to military explosives (a sense that is now obsolete). These explosives were originally used as weapons, of course, but soon they were also being used in explosive displays celebrating victory or peace. By 1575 people were oohing and aahing over "fireworks shewed upon the water; the which were both strange and wel [sic] executed." Figurative uses have been popping up ever since the 1600s. In addition to the angry explosion sense, fireworks can also refer to a spectacular display of musical, visual, or verbal brilliance, as in "an outstanding album, bursting with spectacular musical fireworks."

Synonyms of firework

• scene
• explosion
• huff
• outburst
• reaction
• fit
• frenzy
• seizure
• tantrum

Examples of firework in a Sentence

Are you going to stay for the fireworks?

We expect a few fireworks during the presidential debate.

Recent Examples on the Web

There will also be fireworks as well as a Champagne sabrage with Daniel Hostettler, president and CEO of The Boca Raton. —Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026

Ross-Lonergan analyzes data from Microboone, which checks Miniboone’s work by using next-generation technology capable of tracking the subatomic fireworks neutrinos can produce. —Quanta Magazine, 8 Apr. 2026

The throw was too late, but the fireworks started soon after the throw. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2026

The end result of dipping into the reserve fund two years in a row means there might not be the minimum $15,000 in the bank to pay the deposit for Rancho Bernardo’s 2027 fireworks show that comes due in March, according to Coopat. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for firework

• bodywork
• handiwork
• ironwork
• latticework
• masterwork
• metalwork
• needlework
• openwork
• overwork
• paperwork
• subnetwork
• artwork

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Kids Definition

firework

noun

fire·​work -ˌwərk 

1

: a device that makes a display of light or noise by the burning of explosive or flammable materials

2

plural : a display of fireworks

3

plural : a display of temper