pyrotechnic

American  

[pahy-ruh-tek-nik] / ˌpaɪ rəˈtɛk nɪk /

Also pyrotechnical

adjective

1. of or relating to pyrotechnics.

2. pertaining to, resembling, or suggesting fireworks.

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• pyrotechnically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of pyrotechnic

First recorded in 1695–1705; pyro- + technic

Explanation

Something that's pyrotechnic has to do with fireworks. Many Americans watch pyrotechnic displays on the Fourth of July. You can use the adjective pyrotechnic to talk about fireworks, including making them or watching them. You can also use it to describe things that look like fireworks, like pyrotechnic sparkles of sunlight through a prism, or pyrotechnic sparks in your backyard fire pit as you throw pine branches on the blaze. Pyrotechnic first meant "of fire," from the Greek pyro, "fire," and tekhnikos, "made by art."

Example Sentences

Mercutio in “Romeo and Juliet” begets similar difficulties: He loves to hear himself talk, and his utterances can have an acrobatic or even pyrotechnic quality.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Bildstein had pyrotechnic flares installed in the middle of the outdoor dance floor and added a 200-foot wall of more than 1,000 LED screens.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

The Swiss canton of Valais has banned pyrotechnic devices in all indoor public venues following the devastating fire at a bar on New Year's Eve where 40 people were killed and 116 were injured.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2026

With its dense, pyrotechnic lyrics and recurrent musical motifs, “Hamilton,” in particular, seems to grow richer with each hearing.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 8, 2025

What a "pyrotechnic display" that would make if they all went off at the same time.

From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin