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.

---

Roman candle British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of Roman candle

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

“Steve Harwell was a true American Original. A larger than life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle,” the tweet said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Steve Harwell was a true American Original. A larger-than-life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle,” Hayes said.

From Washington Times

“Steve Harwell was a true American Original. A larger than life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle,” Hayes said.

From Seattle Times

“Trees, they exploded and flamed up like a Roman candle immediately.”

From Seattle Times

If you’re spending this Fourth of July holiday in the U.S. grilling or setting off Roman candles, we hope you have some time to take a break and read.

From New York Times