firecracker

[fahyuhr-krak-er]

noun

1. a paper or cardboard cylinder filled with an explosive and having a fuse, for discharging to make a noise, as during a celebration.

firecracker

/ ˈfaɪəˌkrækə /

noun

1. a small cardboard container filled with explosive powder and lit by a fuse

adjective

1. impressively energetic

   a firecracker start to the race

Word History and Origins

Origin of firecracker¹

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30; fire + cracker

Example Sentences

His cornea was damaged a week ago when an improvised firecracker device that he bought to celebrate the Diwali festival exploded near his face, causing him to lose vision in one eye.

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This year, the Supreme Court eased restrictions, allowing the use of so-called "green" firecrackers that are designed to emit fewer particulate pollutants.

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The Supreme Court relaxed this month a blanket ban on fireworks over Diwali to allow the use of the less-polluting "green firecrackers" -- designed to emit fewer particulates.

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While lamps and firecrackers light up homes and streets during the festival, they also worsen air pollution - a problem especially pronounced in northern India, where winter months already bring poor air quality.

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"She's such a firecracker in the series and then I actually found out she was also a very solitary and silent woman who painted lots of watercolours," Galligan explains.

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