fireworks

fire-works · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Devices containing gunpowder and other combustible chemicals that produce spectacular effects of light, color, and noise when ignited.

  2. 2.

    A display of such devices.

  3. 3.

    (figurative) An outburst of anger or excitement; dramatic activity.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    fireworks display — a public show of fireworks
  • •
    set off fireworks — to ignite fireworks
  • •
    there'll be fireworks — there will be an angry confrontation

Related words

See also: celebration, explosion, pyrotechnics
Synonyms: pyrotechnics

Etymology

Compound word from fire + works (in the sense of "mechanisms" or "devices"). First recorded in the 16th century.