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

Investigators believe pyrotechnic devices — potentially fireworks — were thrown into the restaurant, breaking the windows in three places. —Nbc News, NBC news, 10 Apr. 2026

The initial blast occurred in the eastern portion of the Machados' property, which contained the pyrotechnic workshop, and ultimately resulted in the death of the seven men, according to Nabity. —Noe Padilla, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026

Noun

The special effects supervisor on a movie set is responsible for designing and executing practical, in-camera effects such as explosions, pyrotechnics, rigs, and atmospheric elements. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2026

In fact, pyrotechnics and firearms were mentioned during the 13th and 14th centuries, respectively, in the Vijayanagara empire of the Deccan. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 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