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firework

B1
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /fˈaɪəwɜːk/

US

  • /ˈfaɪrˌwɜrk/

Description

A firework is a small explosive device that lights up the sky with color, sound, or both. People usually think of it as part of a celebration, such as Independence Day, New Year's Eve, or a festival. It lasts only a moment, but that brief flash can feel exciting, loud, and beautiful.

You usually talk about watching fireworks as a show, but a single firework is one burst or one piece in that show. The word can also suggest strong excitement or drama. If people say there were "fireworks" between two people, they may mean sudden romance, strong emotion, or even conflict.

Examples

  1. 1

    Single firework

    A firework exploded above the beach just after sunset.

  2. 2

    Watching display

    We watched the fireworks from the roof.

  3. 3

    Safety request

    Please don't set off fireworks near the houses.

  4. 4

    Public event

    The town canceled its annual firework display because of the wind.

  5. 5

    Figurative conflict

    There were fireworks in the meeting when the budget cuts were announced.

    • Phrase

      there were fireworks

      people suddenly argued very strongly

See also

nounan explosive device that makes colored light or noise for display

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Used with (collocations)

  • set off a firework
  • firework display
  • firework show
  • light a firework

Word family

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Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • fireworknoun

Forms

  • fireworkspluralnoun