Roman candle

American  

noun

1. a firework consisting of a tube that sends out a shower of sparks and a succession of balls of fire.

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Roman candle British  

noun

1. a firework that produces a continuous shower of sparks punctuated by coloured balls of fire

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Etymology

Origin of Roman candle

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

His golf partner, his oldest son, then known as “Junior” and the Roman candle in the family, did look, though, and leveled a fierce glare at me.

From New York Times • Dec. 2, 2018

But in penman Robert Hurford’s hands, H explodes like a Roman candle in ink.

From Washington Times • Aug. 5, 2017

A Roman candle fired from the crowd reportedly damaged a window at a residential building at Fourth Avenue and Virginia Street, police said.

From Seattle Times • May 2, 2016

When it comes to the ebb and flow of dynasties, Edward Gibbon doesn’t hold a Roman candle to Sid Boardman.

From The Guardian • Oct. 26, 2015

Leo holds a hand out for a Roman candle.

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz