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

Emotions will run high, possibly interfering with your external goals or leaving you frustrated and uncertain about which direction to take Comments Get ready for fireworks! —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025

Perhaps a bored retiree at home one New Year’s Eve will spot thoughtless kids shooting off fireworks one year. —Penny Abeywardena, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

But that doesn't mean his testimony and questioning before his colleagues in the Senate didn't produce any fireworks. —Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 15 Jan. 2025

This event features fireworks, skijoring (horses pulling skiers and sledders down the street), free skiing at Howelsen Hill, a ski jumping competition, snow sculptures and more. —Mindy Sink, The Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2025

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