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

Both the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office and the Esparto Fire Protection District recused themselves from the response and investigation because of agency ties to the property and the pyrotechnic operators. —Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2025

Its flowers, however, are exceedingly unusual with their pyrotechnic, gold-tipped, purple stamens. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 22 Aug. 2025

Noun

Expect a really cool light show with lasers, pyrotechnics and stunning visual backdrops. —Regina Kim, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Yet beneath the pyrotechnics, the filmmakers are gunning for emotional resonance that transcends the visual fireworks. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2025

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