firecracker

American  

[fahyuhr-krak-er] / ˈfaɪərˌkræk ər /

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.

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firecracker British  

/ ˈfaɪəˌkrækə /

noun

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

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adjective

1. impressively energetic

   a firecracker start to the race

Etymology

Origin of firecracker

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

Example Sentences

A viral video at the time showed Sakshi smiling as she wheeled a suitcase out of her ex-husband's home while a band played and firecrackers burst.

From BBC

Black smoke surfaced in patches around the theater as firecrackers exploded.

From Literature

If someone had batted an eye, it would have sounded like a firecracker had gone off.

From Literature

Rapid-response teams—made up of locals riding motorcycles and armed with firecrackers and devices that spray chili-pepper irritants—try to steer wandering elephants back into protected areas.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some firecrackers were set off near the sidewalk but away from the building entrance, he said.

From Los Angeles Times