FIREWORK

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does firework mean? 

• FIREWORK (noun)
  The noun FIREWORK has 1 sense:

1. (usually plural) a device with an explosive that burns at a low rate and with colored flames; can be used to illuminate areas or send signals etc.

  Familiarity information: FIREWORK used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• FIREWORK (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(usually plural) a device with an explosive that burns at a low rate and with colored flames; can be used to illuminate areas or send signals etc.

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

firework; pyrotechnic

Hypernyms ("firework" is a kind of...):

low explosive (an explosive with a low rate of combustion)

Domain usage:

plural; plural form (the form of a word that is used to denote more than one)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "firework"):

catherine wheel; pinwheel (a circular firework that spins round and round emitting colored fire)

banger; cracker; firecracker (firework consisting of a small explosive charge and fuse in a heavy paper casing)

fizgig (a firework that fizzes as it moves)

maroon (an exploding firework used as a warning signal)

Roman candle (a cylindrical firework that projects a series of colored balls of fire)

serpent (a firework that moves in serpentine manner when ignited)

rocket; skyrocket (sends a firework display high into the sky)

sparkler (a firework that burns slowly and throws out a shower of sparks)

squib (firework consisting of a tube filled with powder (as a broken firecracker) that burns with a fizzing noise)

torpedo (a small firework that consists of a percussion cap and some gravel wrapped in paper; explodes when thrown forcefully against a hard surface)

 Context examples 

As this year edges to an end, it will set off beautiful fireworks.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

Its salts are used to give fireworks a brilliant red colour.

(First identification of a heavy element born from neutron star collision, ESO)

There they found the flung-out debris from the explosive birth of this clump of massive stars, looking like a cosmic version of fireworks with giant streamers rocketing off in all directions.

(Dramatic Stellar Fireworks of Star Birth, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)

If you have ever heard a clap of thunder, the boom of fireworks, or the roar of a supersonic jet, you already know how shock waves sound.

(Seeing Shock Waves, EARTH OBSERVATORY)

There they found the flung-out debris from the explosive birth of this clump of massive stars, looking like a cosmic version of fireworks with giant streamers rocketing off in all directions.

(ALMA Captures Dramatic Stellar Fireworks, ESO)

They presented their compliments to Mr. Copperfield, and informed him that they had given his letter their best consideration, with a view to the happiness of both parties—which I thought rather an alarming expression, not only because of the use they had made of it in relation to the family difference before-mentioned, but because I had (and have all my life) observed that conventional phrases are a sort of fireworks, easily let off, and liable to take a great variety of shapes and colours not at all suggested by their original form.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

More relationship fireworks are due this month when warrior Mars, in your fifth house of romantic relationships, will directly confront Pluto on November 5, and then later, Mars will oppose unpredictable Uranus on November 24.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

One exciting day for advancing your career will be February 21, when Mars and Uranus will align, setting off fireworks in your career and a buzz about you in your industry.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

It looks like you’ll have your cake and eat it, too—a career that is creating fireworks in the night sky and a fun social life coming up next month.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

A trip could be especially exciting and romantic over the weekend of March 7-8 when Venus and Uranus, the planet of surprise, will conjoin and set off pretty fireworks in the evening sky.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)