firework
noun
fire·work ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌwərk 
plural fireworks
1
: a device for producing a striking display by the combustion of explosive or flammable compositions
setting off fireworks
2
fireworks plural : a display of fireworks
a celebration marked by fireworks
A large crowd gathered to watch the fireworks.
a spectacular fireworks display
Of course there is more to the Fourth of July than fireworks.
John Updike
John Updike3
fireworks plural
a
: a display of temper or intense conflict
… director Jack Hofsiss, in his film debut, and screenwriter David Rabe … fill the screen with raw emotional fireworks. People Weekly
People Weekly b
: strong feelings of usually romantic or sexual attraction between two people
… Hollywood has done a pretty convincing job of making so many of us believe that if there aren't immediate fireworks between two people, then it's time to walk away. Tayi Sanusi
Tayi Sanusi c
: a spectacular display
the fireworks of autumn leaves
Did you know?
The word fireworks burst upon the scene in the 1500s as a reference to military explosives (a sense that is now obsolete). These explosives were originally used as weapons, of course, but soon they were also being used in explosive displays celebrating victory or peace. By 1575 people were oohing and aahing over "fireworks shewed upon the water; the which were both strange and wel [sic] executed." Figurative uses have been popping up ever since the 1600s. In addition to the angry explosion sense, fireworks can also refer to a spectacular display of musical, visual, or verbal brilliance, as in "an outstanding album, bursting with spectacular musical fireworks."
Synonyms
- blowup
- explosion
- fit
- hissy [chiefly Southern & southern Midland]
- hissy fit
- huff
- scene
- tantrum
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Are you going to stay for the fireworks? We expect a few fireworks during the presidential debate.
Recent Examples on the Web Grégory Allione, president of the national federation of firefighters, called on towns around the country to cancel their traditional Bastille Day firework displays, speaking on French channel Franceinfo on Thursday. CNN, 14 July 2022 With permits blocking off the airspace and river access to the estate, guests were able to enjoy a private late-night firework display following the ceremony. Glenn Garner, Peoplemag, 21 Aug. 2022 Opting for a firework show is much less likely to end in tragedy, Griffin said. Hannah Brock, The Indianapolis Star, 4 July 2022 San Francisco San Francisco’s firework show can be seen along the waterfront with the city’s dramatic skyline in the background. Camille Fine, USA TODAY, 4 July 2022 Burning more than 6,000 acres, the fire reached the golf course where the city will host its firework show Monday. Payton Major And Haley Brink, CNN, 2 July 2022 End the evening with a firework show overlooking the iconic Miami River. Amber Love Bond, Forbes, 30 June 2022 The problem was so prevalent that the city had a dedicated firework reporting line (860-757-0000) and text-tip line (860-294-8233) to help combat the problem in the two previous years. Ted Glanzer, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2022 Elsewhere, an 18-year-old man died early Monday after a firework exploded in his face in a Minneapolis suburb. CBS News, 5 July 2022 See More
CNN, 14 July 2022 With permits blocking off the airspace and river access to the estate, guests were able to enjoy a private late-night firework display following the ceremony. Glenn Garner, Peoplemag, 21 Aug. 2022 Opting for a firework show is much less likely to end in tragedy, Griffin said. Hannah Brock, The Indianapolis Star, 4 July 2022 San Francisco San Francisco’s firework show can be seen along the waterfront with the city’s dramatic skyline in the background. Camille Fine, USA TODAY, 4 July 2022 Burning more than 6,000 acres, the fire reached the golf course where the city will host its firework show Monday. Payton Major And Haley Brink, CNN, 2 July 2022 End the evening with a firework show overlooking the iconic Miami River. Amber Love Bond, Forbes, 30 June 2022 The problem was so prevalent that the city had a dedicated firework reporting line (860-757-0000) and text-tip line (860-294-8233) to help combat the problem in the two previous years. Ted Glanzer, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2022 Elsewhere, an 18-year-old man died early Monday after a firework exploded in his face in a Minneapolis suburb. CBS News, 5 July 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
firework
noun
fire·work ˈfīr-ˌwərk
1
: a device that makes a display of light or noise by the burning of explosive or flammable materials
2
fireworks plural : a display of fireworks