whizz-bang

British  

noun

1. a small-calibre World War I shell that, when discharged, travelled at such a high velocity that the sound of its flight was heard only an instant, if at all, before the sound of its explosion

2. a type of firework that jumps around emitting a whizzing sound and occasional bangs

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adjective

1. informal excellent or first-rate

Example Sentences

She thinks next week's trip would have been even more "whizz-bang" if the Prince and Princess of Wales had come too, but emphasises how much the royals can influence opinion in the US.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

However, not all of these busy little bots are created equal, and you’ll pay more for those with whizz-bang features that make your life a little easier.

From The Verge • Jul. 8, 2022

We’re not expecting much in terms of whizz-bang feature announcements this year; the company has reportedly decided to take a step back and hone its existing software offerings.

From Slate • May 31, 2018

The new series has commanded much less anticipation than those before it, possibly thanks to accusations that the show isn’t delivering the same whizz-bang thrills as Breaking Bad.

From The Guardian • Apr. 12, 2017

It was at this time that the whizz-bang shell made its debut.

From One Young Man The simple and true story of a clerk who enlisted in 1914, who fought on the western front for nearly two years, was severely wounded at the battle of the Somme, and is now on his way back to his desk. by Hodder-Williams, J. E. (John Ernest)