pyrotechnic

1 of 2

adjective

py·​ro·​tech·​nic ˌpī-rə-ˈtek-nik 

variants or less commonly pyrotechnical

ˌpī-rə-ˈtek-ni-kəl 

: of or relating to pyrotechnics

pyrotechnically

ˌpī-rə-ˈtek-ni-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

pyrotechnic

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: firework

b

: any of various similar devices (as for igniting a rocket or producing an explosion)

2

: a combustible substance used in a firework

Did you know?

You've read about funeral pyres, and you may even have survived a pyromaniac ("insane fire-starting") stage in your youth, so you might have guessed that pyr means "fire" in Greek. Pyrotechnic refers literally to fireworks, but always seems to be used for something else—something just as exciting, explosive, dazzling, sparkling, or brilliant. The performances of sports stars and dancers are often described as pyrotechnic, and a critic may describe the pyrotechnics of a rock guitarist's licks or a film's camerawork. A pyrotechnic performance is always impressive, but the word occasionally suggests something more like "flashy" or "flamboyant".

Examples of pyrotechnic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

If that involves a massive chandelier falling above their heads in a pyrotechnic explosion, even better. — Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

There were some wardrobe changes, a few pyrotechnic displays and a couple of nostalgic video montages. — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 12 July 2026

Noun

Indeed, the 29-year-old Kahan’s first football stadium show in North Carolina wasn’t built around pyrotechnics, confetti cannons, backup dancers or any of the other trappings typical of shows by the world’s biggest touring artists. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 26 July 2026

There was some pink smoke at the start of the match from pyrotechnics, but the air eventually cleared as the action heated up and players from both teams shook off the rust from the long layoff. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French pyrotechnique, from Greek pyr fire + technē art — more at technical

First Known Use

Adjective

1629, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for pyrotechnic

• polytechnic
• technic