skyrocket

American  

[skahy-rok-it] / ˈskaɪˌrɒk ɪt /

noun

1. a rocket firework that ascends into the air and explodes at a height, usually in a brilliant array of sparks of one or more colors.

2. Also called scarlet gilia.  a plant, Ipomopsis aggregata, of the phlox family, native to western North America, having finely divided leaves and clusters of red, trumpet-shaped flowers.

3. an organized group cheer, usually led by a cheerleader, as at a football or basketball game, which begins with a hissing or whistling and ends with a shout.

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verb (used without object)

1. to rise or increase rapidly or suddenly, especially to unexpected or unprecedented levels.

   Prices skyrocketed during the war.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to rise or increase rapidly and usually suddenly.

   Economic changes have skyrocketed prices.

2. to thrust with sudden dramatic advancement; catapult.

   Talent has skyrocketed him to fame.

skyrocket British  

/ ˈskaɪˌrɒkɪt /

noun

1. another word for rocket 1

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verb

1. informal (intr) to rise rapidly, as in price

Etymology

Origin of skyrocket

First recorded in 1680–90; sky + rocket ¹

Explanation

When something skyrockets, it shoots up. Immediately after the Winter Olympics, interest in ice skating, bobsledding, and curling tends to skyrocket, or increase suddenly and dramatically. The verb skyrocket is good to use when something grows or shoots up as abruptly as a firework. Gas prices, food prices, debt, and winter cases of the flu are all said, from time to time, to skyrocket. A more literal meaning of skyrocket is the actual rocket that's designed to send a flare or firework high into the sky. A bottle rocket — a firework that is placed in an empty bottle before being lit and shooting into the air — is one example of a small skyrocket.

Example Sentences

Skyrocket, a Los Angeles-based toy maker, sells Poe, the AI story bear.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 24, 2025

Counterfeiters are especially quick to imitate out-of-stock toys with expensive components, said Nelo Lucich, CEO of the toy company Skyrocket.

From Washington Times • Dec. 9, 2022

“We sold every piece we were able to make and get shipped to the U.S., so it’s pretty much sold out everywhere,” said Mr. Lucich, who cofounded Skyrocket in 2010.

From Washington Times • Dec. 1, 2021

Skyrocket in flight: SpaceX is planning to launch its latest rocket Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2017

The night appeared to pass quietly, though once Uncle Toby thought he heard Skyrocket barking in the kitchen.

From The Curlytops and Their Playmates or Jolly Times Through the Holidays by Greene, Julia

Related Words

• catapult
• escalate
• rise
• rocket
• shoot up
• zoom