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.

---

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

---

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

A fiery crack of red and gold explodes above a village in China's pyrotechnics hub of Liuyang, where residents are accustomed to ear-splitting fireworks tests year-round.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

Videos captured people murmuring confusedly, presuming technical difficulties, before the truth dawned on the crowd that pyrotechnics would not be forthcoming.

From Salon • Jan. 21, 2026

Fifteen involved some form of pyrotechnics and about 13 involved acoustic foam or decorative materials.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2026

Seth floundered at the center of an underwater pyrotechnics display.

From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull