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
Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2024
Others, however, have gone further and called for a total ban on the sale of fireworks nationally, except for large-scale licensed public events.
—Patrick Smith, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
The event will include fireworks, a pre-parade show with live performances and the parade.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 13 Nov. 2024
The City Council would have the authority to set restrictions on who may sell fireworks and when and where they may be sold and discharged.
—Jonathan Horwitz, Orange County Register, 6 Nov. 2024
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“Firework.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firework. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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firework
noun
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