firework

Celebration sky burst

A firework is a device that produces a spectacular display of light, color, and sound through controlled combustion or explosion.

Fireworks are traditionally set off during celebrations—New Year's Eve, Independence Day, Chinese New Year.

In the plural, fireworks can mean dramatic confrontation: There were fireworks at the meeting when the budget cuts were announced.

pyrotechnic

fuse

Protective melting wire

launcher · ignition · sparkler · fountain · banger · firecracker · rocket · cake · chrysanthemum · peony

sound

bang

Sudden loud noise

  • boomLoud deep sound
  • crackleSharp snapping sounds
  • popFizzy drink, regionally

whistle · hiss · thunder · report · sizzle · whoosh · screech · fizz · snap · rumble

light

sparkle

Emit flashing light

  • flashBrief burst of light
  • flareSudden bright burst
  • glowSteady, soft light

shimmer · glitter · twinkle · radiance · brilliance · dazzle · illumination · luminous · scintillation · afterglow

visual

burst

Break apart suddenly

streamer · plume · starburst · palm · comet · waterfall · brocade · glittering · crackling · strobe

celebration

display

Presentation for viewing

  • showMake something apparent
  • spectacleVisually striking event
  • finaleConcluding part of performance

countdown · extravaganza · New Year's Eve · Independence Day · Diwali · bonfire night · Guy Fawkes Night · Bastille Day · Canada Day · jubilee

Categories
Opposites
spectacle/visibility

fireworkdarkness

Total absence of light

invisibility · blackout · void · blank · emptiness

excitement/impact

fireworkdud

Failed device or effort

fizzle · anticlimax · letdown · bore · monotony

sound/noise

fireworksilence

Total lack of sound

stillness · quiet · hush · calm · dud

Phrases
Family

fireworks

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G