firework

noun

fire·​work ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌwərk How to pronounce firework (audio)
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."

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 Multiple events are scheduled for the festival, including a parade, concerts and fireworks, for locals and for visitors who descend upon the city during the season. USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024 Once again, fireworks lit up Lusail Stadium, reflecting Qatar’s enduring prominence in soccer. Samindra Kunti, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 That includes fireworks celebrating Texas Independence Day on Saturday. Nigel Chiwaya, NBC News, 29 Feb. 2024 None of this is a big surprise: Anitta has built a brand as a bright, brazen human firework with a supremely dedicated global fan base — 65 million followers on Instagram, 40 million monthly listeners on Spotify — that would chase her to any corner of the planet. Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2024 Freedom Fest, a Northern Kentucky conservative rally chock full of American flags, national GOP leaders, and fireworks, is back on this summer after it was canceled twice last year. Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 27 Feb. 2024 Some of the demonstrators threw Molotov cocktails and set off fireworks, the police said. Rick Rojas, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2024 Motivated homebuyers can close on this nearly 27-acre estate on the Wicomico River in time to view the solar fireworks from their private, two-story observatory. Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2024 Ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, during a Jane’s Addiction tour in 1991, Farrell was perusing a commercial fireworks catalog in the band’s dressing room before a concert. Pamela Chelin, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'firework.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of firework was circa 1580

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Cite this Entry

“Firework.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firework. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

firework

noun
fire·​work -ˌwərk How to pronounce firework (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on firework

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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