Word
firework
Phoneticsfire·work, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfaɪɹˌwɝk/
UK/fˈaɪəwɜːk/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a small object that explodes to make loud noises and bright colors in the sky. People use them to celebrate special days like New Year's Eve.
n. a device containing gunpowder and other chemicals that causes a spectacular explosion when ignited. Often used in the plural to describe a public display of pyrotechnics.
Examples
“We watched a giant firework explode over the lake.”
“The city spent thousands of dollars on a firework display to celebrate the national holiday.”
“As the final firework ascended, the crowd fell silent, waiting for the thunderous boom and the subsequent shower of shimmering gold light to fill the night sky.”
Examples
simple
“We watched a giant firework explode over the lake.”
contextual
“The city spent thousands of dollars on a firework display to celebrate the national holiday.”
complex
“As the final firework ascended, the crowd fell silent, waiting for the thunderous boom and the subsequent shower of shimmering gold light to fill the night sky.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “firework” in context.
Verb
01. let off fireworks
“It is illegal to let off fireworks in the city center without a permit.”
verb + noun
02. set off fireworks
“The neighbors set off fireworks in their backyard to celebrate the New Year.”
verb + noun
03. watch the fireworks
“Thousands of people gathered by the river to watch the fireworks at midnight.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. illegal fireworks
“Police warned residents about the dangers of buying and using illegal fireworks.”
adj + noun
05. spectacular fireworks
“The closing ceremony ended with a spectacular fireworks display over the stadium.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. display of fireworks
“We had a perfect view of the magnificent display of fireworks from our balcony.”
noun + of + noun
07. firework show
“The theme park hosts a musical firework show every evening during the summer.”
noun + noun
08. fireworks display
“The local council organizes a professional fireworks display every November.”
noun + noun
Usage
Commonly used in the plural ('fireworks') when referring to a show or a general celebration.
Real-World Examples
“Barcelona will also be hosting its biggest celebration of the year - La Mercè - with lots of concerts, street theatre, dancing giants and fireworks.” “Durham Police said a large crowd gathered on a privately owned field near Haswell, County Durham, on Thursday evening where five vehicles were set on fire and balloons, flares, and fireworks were released.” Etymology
From fire + work.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/firework