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firework

American  
[fahyuhr-wurk] / ˈfaɪərˌwɜrk /

noun

  1. Often fireworks. a combustible or explosive device for producing a striking display of light or a loud noise, used for signaling or as part of a celebration.

  2. fireworks,

    1. a pyrotechnic display.

    2. a display of violent temper or fierce activity.

    3. any spectacular display, especially of wit or of a technical feat by a musician or dancer.

firework British  
/ ˈfaɪəˌwɜːk /

noun

  1. a device, such as a Catherine wheel, Roman candle, or rocket, in which combustible materials are ignited and produce coloured flames, sparks, and smoke, sometimes accompanied by bangs

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of firework

First recorded in 1550–60; fire + work

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Loud and sustained whistles, cheers were heard and fireworks could be seen being launched on videos shared on social media that were verified by AFP.

From Barron's

Then a curtain fell, fireworks exploded, a band appeared and Sombr got back up on his podium to finish the set.

From BBC

His paintings of erupting fountains, spurting fireworks and splashing bathers make you feel a cool summer breeze in the middle of a packed fair space.

From The Wall Street Journal

As Police Squad’s Frank Drebbin said, while standing in front of an exploding fireworks factory: “Nothing to see here, folks. Please disperse.”

From MarketWatch

As they flew toward their target, Parks and Blea were followed by an undulating stream of flashes they said looked like fireworks.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.