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

Word Icons

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

Orange voters are more than 59% in favor of allowing the sale at the Fourth of July of safe and sane fireworks. —Heather McRea, Orange County Register, 6 Nov. 2024

Catch the fireworks on November 24 at the 7th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Canyons Village, where the kids can get a jump on their holiday list with a visit to Santa. —Rebecca Deurlein, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

An impressive appetizer sets the tone for the rest of the meal, and a dessert with fireworks will leave them with a story to tell. —Alyson Sheppard, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024

The town’s fireworks prowess is also evident in language. —Mithil Aggarwal, NBC News, 1 Nov. 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