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

Organizers say the free show will have more than 10,000 pyrotechnic effects along the Detroit River. —Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 17 June 2026

The only opposition came from James Eadie, a licensed pyrotechnic operator, who said hobby rocket users could have difficulty complying with the bill because many local governments do not have permitting processes for storing small quantities of rocket motors. —Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026

Noun

The pyrotechnics, however, come from Amanda and Danielle, who get in one of those stupid fights that are only possible after a full day of drinking in a retro vehicle. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 June 2026

An impromptu fireworks display shut down a stretch of interstate in Tennessee on June 6, after a box truck carrying the pyrotechnics caught fire. —Drew Pittock, USA Today, 8 June 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