pyrotechnics

plural noun

py·​ro·​tech·​nics ˌpī-rə-ˈtek-niks How to pronounce pyrotechnics (audio)
1
singular or plural in construction : the art of making or the manufacture and use of fireworks
2
a
: a display of fireworks
b
: a spectacular display (as of extreme virtuosity)
verbal pyrotechnics
keyboard pyrotechnics
pyrotechnician noun
pyrotechnist noun

Did you know?

The use of military fireworks in elaborate celebrations of war and peace is an ancient Chinese custom, but our term for the making and launching of fireworks is a product of the 17th and 18th centuries. Pyrotechnics and the earlier adjective pyrotechnic derive via French from the Greek nouns pyr ("fire") and techne ("art"). In pyr one can see such fiery relatives as pyromania, the term for an irresistible impulse to start fires, as well as pyrite, the mineral also known as fool's gold. (That word also has an obsolete meaning, in the form pyrites, referring to a stone used for striking fire.) Like fireworks, pyrotechnics also has an extended figurative usage, referring to any kind of dazzling display or performance.

Examples of pyrotechnics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web One of the resort’s most popular attractions is its theme show, featuring great music, dazzling choreography, a 25-foot screen, pyrotechnics and talented cast, included at no cost with your all inclusive stay. Roger Sands, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2023 After two years where Covid restrictions put a damper on its NYE celebrations, the city’s V&A Waterfront will light up on December 31 with pyrotechnics and partying. Jacopo Prisco, CNN, 31 Dec. 2022 There will be the Netspend Ferris Wheel and the ultimate Big Game giveaway as well as games, rides, a custom megastructure adjacent to Talking Stick Resort with pyrotechnics and graphics. Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, 13 Dec. 2022 The three-hour-plus pic is stuffed end-to-end with action choreography, stunt work, pyrotechnics and VFX, including one standout sequence in which Bheem unleashes tigers, leopards and other wild animals from a truck to attack the British. Manori Ravindran, Variety, 14 Nov. 2022 Along with the requisite pyrotechnics and spotlights, Lamar embraced visual elements to help tell his stories. Chris Kelly, Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2022 Speakers were introduced with WWE-style videos, elaborate pyrotechnics and smoke displays. Jill Colvin, Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2022 That means San Diego fire officials are again urging residents to leave the pyrotechnics and explosions to professionals, noting that with the state in a drought, fires are a year-round worry. San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 July 2022 The stage sets are reported to be spectacular with pyrotechnics, glitter cannons, and ebullient ensemble dances. oregonlive, 28 Dec. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pyrotechnics.' 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

1729, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pyrotechnics was in 1729

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Cite this Entry

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

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