firework

American  

[fahyuhr-wurk] / ˈfaɪərˌwɜrk /

noun

fireworks plural

1. 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.

2. fireworks,

   1. a pyrotechnic display.

   2. a display of violent temper or fierce activity.

   3. any spectacular display, especially of wit or of a technical feat by a musician or dancer.

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firework British  

/ ˈfaɪəˌwɜːk /

noun

1. a device, such as a Catherine wheel, Roman candle, or rocket, in which combustible materials are ignited and produce coloured flames, sparks, and smoke, sometimes accompanied by bangs

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• fireworks
  plural

Etymology

Origin of firework

First recorded in 1550–60; fire + work

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

See Examples For:

firework fireworks

Capt. Kyle Stevens of the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office told the San Francisco Chronicle that the office believed the roughly 6-inch-long object was a homemade firework.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 9, 2026

Another study focused on chemicals called amines, which are included in some firework formulations.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 4, 2026

Next best thing: Get your semiquincentennial firework fix for free at Philadelphia Museum of Art as part of that city’s massive celebrations, which also include a bevy of free concerts and parades.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 27, 2026

In the mountains surrounding the city, more than 400 firework manufacturers occupy strictly regulated factories, where workshops are topped with lightning rods.

From Barron's ● Feb. 13, 2026

I feel like a red firework on the Fourth of July, shrieking into the air and flinging itself in every direction possible.

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman

The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence should be more than fireworks, parades and patriotic songs.

From Salon ● Jul. 10, 2026

"Drain the water. Clean up the fireworks stuff. Repair the vandalism that was done. Fill it back up again," Burgum said.

From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026

It was disorienting to go from a crowded prison cell to watching Fourth of July fireworks with my family over In-N-Out burgers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026

"There were thunderstorms before, and pretty much during and after the fireworks, and we missed the worst of it," Russell Dickerson, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Maryland, told AFP.

From Barron's ● Jul. 6, 2026

It isn’t like any of the other fireworks.

From "I Can Make This Promise" by Christine Day

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