firework

noun

fire·​work ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌwərk 

plural fireworks

1

: a device for producing a striking display by the combustion of explosive or flammable compositions

setting off fireworks

2

fireworks plural : a display of fireworks

a celebration marked by fireworks

A large crowd gathered to watch the fireworks.

a spectacular fireworks display

Of course there is more to the Fourth of July than fireworks.

—John Updike

3

fireworks plural

a

: a display of temper or intense conflict

… director Jack Hofsiss, in his film debut, and screenwriter David Rabe … fill the screen with raw emotional fireworks.

—People Weekly

b

: strong feelings of usually romantic or sexual attraction between two people

… Hollywood has done a pretty convincing job of making so many of us believe that if there aren't immediate fireworks between two people, then it's time to walk away.

—Tayi Sanusi

c

: a spectacular display

the fireworks of autumn leaves

Did you know?

The word fireworks burst upon the scene in the 1500s as a reference to military explosives (a sense that is now obsolete). These explosives were originally used as weapons, of course, but soon they were also being used in explosive displays celebrating victory or peace. By 1575 people were oohing and aahing over "fireworks shewed upon the water; the which were both strange and wel [sic] executed." Figurative uses have been popping up ever since the 1600s. In addition to the angry explosion sense, fireworks can also refer to a spectacular display of musical, visual, or verbal brilliance, as in "an outstanding album, bursting with spectacular musical fireworks."

Synonyms

• blowup
• explosion
• fit
• hissy [chiefly Southern & southern Midland]
• hissy fit
• huff
• scene
• tantrum

Examples of firework in a Sentence

Are you going to stay for the fireworks?

We expect a few fireworks during the presidential debate.

Recent Examples on the Web

At this event, attended by 100,000 people, cannons were fired and five tons of fireworks exploded. —Barbara J. King, NPR, 22 Apr. 2024

The spring peepers were all chorusing against a background of continuous fireworks. —Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024

The lead time meant that Israel and its regional partners could ready Israel’s defenses, and the operation amounted to little more than a terrifying fireworks display. —Tamara Qiblawi, CNN, 14 Apr. 2024

The Feast of Sant Agata attracts millions of pilgrims each year from around Sicily and is still very local and wild, with candlelit processions through the night, day time fireworks including from the roof of the Duomo and lots of celebrating. —Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2024

Five zones of entertainment are featured throughout the neighborhood, and the event is capped with a fireworks display set to music, which begins at 8:30 p.m. 1 to 9 p.m. Free. —Chris Kelly, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2024

On Friday, fans can expect a post-game firework display. —Allison Kiehl, The Enquirer, 3 Apr. 2024

Unlike Woody Allen’s ode to his hometown, Manhattan, there are no fireworks at the start of Free Time and there’s no sad, sweeping romance at the end, but rather the acknowledgement that joining the daily grind may be the best the city now has to offer. —Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Apr. 2024

Each show is a huge production, featuring three stages, hydraulic platforms, pyrotechnics, smoke machines, fireworks, lasers, handmade costumes, fifteen dancers, four backing vocalists and a live band. —Howard Murphy, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

firework

noun

fire·​work -ˌwərk 

1

: a device that makes a display of light or noise by the burning of explosive or flammable materials

2

plural : a display of fireworks

3

plural : a display of temper