firework

A device using gunpowder and other chemicals which, when lit, emits a combination of coloured flames, sparks, whistles or bangs, and sometimes made to rocket high into the sky before exploding, used for entertainment or celebration.

Noun

  1. A device using gunpowder and other chemicals which, when lit, emits a combination of coloured flames, sparks, whistles or bangs, and sometimes made to rocket high into the sky before exploding, used for entertainment or celebration.
    • Commercial firework displays are commonly launched from boats or other vessels
    • Fireworks went off after Australia won the World Cup.
    • Saltpetre being the principal ingredient in fireworks, and a volatile body, by reaſon of its aqueous and aërial parts, is eaſily rarified by fire; but not ſo ſoon when foul and groſs, as when purified from its crude and...

Origin

From fire + work.

Forms

fireworks

Related

airbomb banger cherry bomb firecracker flare mortar rocket Roman candle salute sparkler

Derived

fireworker fireworkless fireworklike fireworky