pyrotechnics

American  

[pahy-ruh-tek-niks] / ˌpaɪ rəˈtɛk nɪks /

Also pyrotechny

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. the art of making fireworks.

   My dad's friend studied pyrotechnics and made us firecrackers for our birthdays.

2. the use of fireworks for display, military purposes, etc..

   That department is in charge of coordinating and monitoring pyrotechnics.

3. a display of fireworks.

   The breathtaking pyrotechnics were the highlight of the concert.

4. a brilliant or sensational display, such as of rhetoric or musicianship.

   His verbal pyrotechnics stunned audiences at the debate.

5. Military. ammunition containing chemicals for producing smoke or light, as for signaling, illuminating, or screening.

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pyrotechnics British  

/ ˌpaɪrəʊˈtɛknɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the art or craft of making fireworks

2. (functioning as singular or plural) a firework display

3. (functioning as singular or plural) brilliance of display, as in the performance of music

   keyboard pyrotechnics

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Other Word Forms

• pyrotechnic adjective

Etymology

Origin of pyrotechnics

First recorded in 1710–20; pyrotechnic, -ics

Example Sentences

For 35 years, Mr. Self has continued in a similar vein, dazzling and sometimes wearying his readers with his madcap plots and lexical pyrotechnics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Indian rapper Hanumankind performed with his dance troupe and pyrotechnics aplenty.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

Thundering drums and shredding guitar solos cut through the crowd as pyrotechnics and streamer cannons blast.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

You can sit back and watch the pyrotechnics, or you can exploit the chaos, ideally with a position that limits losses and tilts toward outsize gains.

From Barron's • Jan. 28, 2026

Kendra backed away, shielding her eyes from the dazzling pyrotechnics.

From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull