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 the owner of the property is an active pyrotechnic license holder, the fire protection district and the state fire marshal's office said in Wednesday's statement. —Phil Helsel, NBC news, 2 July 2025

SeaWorld, which has been sued over its nightly summer fireworks shows, filed a formal response this week generally denying allegations that its pyrotechnic displays are polluting Mission Bay. —Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 July 2025

Noun

The production was high-end, including an unrelenting barrage of fire-and-bang pyrotechnics to go with the smoldering bedroom fare. —Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 10 Aug. 2025

The annual Yuba-Sutter Fourth of July fireworks show will go on — one day later than planned — following the deadly warehouse explosion in Esparto that destroyed pyrotechnics intended for the bi-county celebration. —Sacbee.com, 3 July 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