firework
noun
John UpdikePeople WeeklyTayi Sanusi
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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."
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Examples of firework in a Sentence
Alice George, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025
This versatile metal powers batteries, stops fires in textiles, and adds flair to paints, ceramics and even fireworks.
—Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 5 Feb. 2025
This is less a chant and more a fireworks show celebrating the permanent expungement of all turncoats and pests.
—Stephen Kearse, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025
To Clare’s body floating beneath a spray of fireworks, then sinking to the depths below.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025
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“Firework.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firework. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
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firework
noun
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