firework

English

Fireworks

Etymology

From fire +‎ work. Compare Saterland Frisian Fjuurwierk (“firework”), West Frisian fjoerwurk (“firework”), Dutch vuurwerk (“firework”), Low German Füürwark, Füerwark (“firework”), German Feuerwerk (“firework”), Danish fyrværkeri (“firework”), Swedish fyrverkeri (“firework”), Faroese fýrverk (“firework”).

Pronunciation

  • (General American) IPA(key): /ˈfaɪɚˌwɚk/
  • Audio (Southern England):(file)
  • Hyphenation: fire‧work

Noun

firework (plural fireworks)

  1. (usually plural) 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.
    Hyponyms: airbomb, banger, Catherine wheel, firecracker, flare, mortar, pinwheel, rocket, Roman candle, sparkler, salute, cherry bomb, see also: Category:en:Pyrotechnics
    Commercial firework displays are commonly launched from boats or other vessels
    Fireworks went off after Australia won the World Cup.
    • 1776, Robert Jones, John Muller, “Sect. I. Saltpetre.”, in Artificial Fireworks, Improved to the Modern Practice, from the Minutest to the Highest Branches; [...] Also, Mr. Muller's Fireworks, for Sea and Land Service, [...], 2nd corr. edition, London: Printed for J. Millan, near Whitehall, →OCLC, page 1:
      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 earthy parts, which greatly retard its velocity: therefore, when any quantity of Fireworks are to be made, it ſhould be examined; for if it is not well cleanſed, and of a good ſort, your works will not have their proper effect; […]

Derived terms

Translations

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