fire·work

[fahyuhr-wurk]
noun
1.
Often, fireworks. a combustible or explosive device for producing a striking display of light or a loud noise, used for signaling or as part of a celebration.
2.
fireworks.
a.
a pyrotechnic display.
b.
a display of violent temper or fierce activity.
c.
any spectacular display, especially of wit or of a technical feat by a musician or dancer.

Origin:
1550–60; fire + work

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
firework (ˈfaɪəˌwɜːk) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
a device, such as a Catherine wheel, Roman candle, or rocket, in which combustible materials are ignited and produce coloured flames, sparks, and smoke, sometimes accompanied by bangs

00:10
Fireworks is always a great word to know.
So is lollapalooza. Does it mean:
a gadget; dingus; thingumbob.
an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.
fireworks (ˈfaɪəˌwɜːks) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
pl n
1.  a show in which large numbers of fireworks are let off simultaneously
2.  informal an exciting or spectacular exhibition, as of musical virtuosity or wit
3.  informal a burst of temper

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

fireworks
1570s, from fire (n.) + works.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Slang Dictionary

fireworks definition


  1. n.
    excitement. : When the fireworks are over, come in and we'll talk.
Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition.
Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
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Example sentences
Party officials working on one element of the program, the nighttime fireworks
  display, had a particular request of the designers.
The celebrations include parades with floats and dancing, colorful costumes and
  fireworks.
Instead she has produced a spectacular and enjoyable display of intellectual
  fireworks for the general reader.
But there weren't any wild celebrations, fireworks or any other
  government-sponsored hoopla to mark the milestone.
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