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

There are a couple of Roman candles sticking up out of a tube.

From Literature

“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