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 rare moment of high drama flares when a pregnant woman, Agata, played with firecracker fierceness by Anna Chlumsky, barrels down the basement stairs to accost Renia.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

Karri Kitchen specialised in healthy Asian-style meals such as Mongolian beef noodles, firecracker chicken and mango chicken curry.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2025

She was a small-framed, firecracker of a woman, and no matter who is telling us about her, the fact that she outlived three husbands is always included.

From Salon • Jan. 16, 2025

And for the next three years he was friends with that firecracker, until they started dating around Christmas of their senior year.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2024

Down the street, a firecracker sprayed crimson sparks across the sky.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros