firework
Americannoun
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fireworks
plural
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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.
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fireworks,
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a pyrotechnic display.
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a display of violent temper or fierce activity.
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any spectacular display, especially of wit or of a technical feat by a musician or dancer.
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noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of firework
Explanation
Fireworks are small explosive devices that produce colorful, glittering lights in the night sky. A typical July Fourth fireworks display uses hundreds of individual fireworks. The word fireworks, coined in the 16th century, is usually plural, whether it's referring to the device itself or a show featuring the brilliant, noisy bursts of colored light. You might ask a friend on New Year's Eve, "Are you going to see the fireworks tonight?" Figuratively, the word is perfect for describing a heated clash or conflict: "There's always fireworks when those two start arguing about politics!"
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.
See Examples For:
He could turn Real back into a juggernaut, or it could all blow up in a firework of recrimination and newspaper headlines.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 18, 2026
They also cited "ongoing noise nuisance caused by anti-social, late-night firework use in recent days" and also advised people against using disposable barbecues.
From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026
With the new heatwave, many towns throughout France have cancelled their firework displays, but many are usually set off illegally.
From Barron's ● Jul. 14, 2026
Another study focused on chemicals called amines, which are included in some firework formulations.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 4, 2026
A Yes! firework went off inside Genie’s head.
From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds
Most people started to receive the alert from 19:00 BST on Friday, with a message cautioning against the use of disposable barbeques, naked flames or fireworks.
From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026
When she heard explosions, she ran to her father and asked what was happening, he said, but he did not have the heart to tell her, saying they were fireworks for a wedding.
From Barron's ● Aug. 16, 2026
Stacked balconies on surrounding apartment buildings are packed with celebrants, drinks, fireworks scorecards.
From Salon ● Aug. 11, 2026
We live in an age remarkably good at simulating experience: Concerts and fireworks are streamed live, and an Everest summit is rendered in IMAX.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 10, 2026
If anyone had even bothered to notice anything beyond their own stupid lives, I would never have been in that forest with those fireworks.
From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz
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.
