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

… 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

• blowup
• explosion
• fit
• hissy [chiefly Southern & southern Midland]
• hissy fit
• huff
• scene
• 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

To eat the food (turkey legs or bust!), and see the fireworks show. —Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 16 May 2025

What To Know Ahead of celebrations, the Iowa House has passed a bill prohibiting county boards of supervisors and city councils from limiting or banning fireworks on July 3 and 4 and December 31. —Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025

Iowa lawmakers have passed a bill that would prohibit the regulation of firework displays during the Fourth of July, paving the way for a yearlong celebration lauded by President Donald Trump ahead of the United States' 250th birthday next summer. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 13 May 2025

In general, uncertainty continues to reign from Main Street shops to executive boardrooms, spanning fireworks distributors, border towns and travel agencies. —Rob Wile, NBC news, 13 May 2025

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