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

The celebration will include fireworks, military bands, flyovers, tributes to the Armed Services, and a speech by the president that the organization said would commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary and chart a course for America's next chapter. — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 25 June 2026

Visit Big Bear said the decision to move forward with the event was not made lightly and that organizers were working with the fireworks provider to reduce the loudest booms where possible. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026

In late March, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors approved changes to the county’s fireworks ordinance that increased penalties for violations. — Velvet Wu june 23, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026

Events celebrating America’s 250th birthday mean some changes for fireworks viewing on the Mall and the route of the Independence Day Parade. — Fritz Hahn, Washington Post, 24 June 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
• telework

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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