firework
noun
John UpdikePeople WeeklyTayi Sanusi
Word Icons
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."
Examples of firework in a Sentence
Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
Have we been distracted too much by all the verbal fireworks this season from CK, Phillip, and Seychelle to notice that Lete is an absolute assassin out there?
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Announcer Nick Offerman swipes at Kevin Spacey ... and MCU hero Hawkeye
Five minutes before the telecast even began, Nick Offerman started the comedic fireworks.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
On-field fireworks shot into the air as the crowd roared its approval, led by the drum-banging, flag-waving fans in the supporters section.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for firework
Articles Related to firework
Cite this Entry
“Firework.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firework. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
firework
noun
Share