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

"Spencer was a firecracker, that's the best way to put it," Mitrofanov added.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2025

But I still get chills from the Freeman moment, still remember the bursting firecracker sound of the hit, still remember his memorable waving of the bat in the air like a wand.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2024

"When you put all of that together, you have basically an M80 firecracker," said Piquero, who is also former director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

From Salon • Aug. 13, 2024

They rounded a bend and the crack of a whip sounded in the air like a firecracker.

From "The Whipping Boy" by Sid Fleischman