firework
gb/fˈaɪɚwˌɚk/ us/fˈaɪɚwˌɚk/
A2
English
~ 9400
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
explosive device for colored displays
A small thing that explodes in the sky and makes bright lights and loud sounds for fun, usually at parties or festivals.
Usage pattern:
a [firework]; [someone] sets off [fireworks]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "firework" with "fireplace" or "fire alarm" because all have the word "fire". "Firework" is only for the colorful things that explode for fun.
Synonyms
firecracker (Usually smaller and used mainly for loud bangs rather than colorful displays in the sky.)
Antonyms
dud (An explosive device that fails to go off, so it does not produce light or sound as a firework should.)
Collocations
set off fireworks
|let off fireworks
|firework display
|firework show
|firework safety
|firework factory
Themes
celebrations
|leisure
|daily life
|arts_entertainment
|daily_life
Examples
- People were setting off fireworks in the street after the team won.
- The child covered his ears when the firework exploded overhead.
- She bought a box of fireworks for the New Year's party.
- The last firework burst into a huge golden star in the sky.
Learner examples
- We watched the fireworks in the dark sky.
- He lit the firework and ran back quickly.
- They used many red and green fireworks at the festival.
- This firework is very loud, so be careful.
Noun
B1
event
2
public show using many fireworks
A public show where people set off many fireworks for others to watch.
Usage pattern:
a [firework] display; watch the [fireworks]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say "I like to see firework" when they mean the whole show. In this sense, use the plural or an event word: "I like to see fireworks" or "I like the fireworks display."
Synonyms
fireworks display (A more explicit phrase that clearly emphasizes the organized show aspect rather than individual devices.)
Antonyms
quiet evening (Describes a calm time without loud public celebrations or bright displays.)
Collocations
watch the fireworks
|New Year's fireworks
|Independence Day fireworks
|a big fireworks display
|see the fireworks
|city fireworks
Themes
celebrations
|leisure
|tourism
|arts_entertainment
|daily_life
Examples
- We went to the river to watch the fireworks after the concert.
- The city's New Year's fireworks could be seen from kilometers away.
- Thousands of people gathered in the park for the fireworks.
- The fireworks over the harbor lasted almost half an hour.
Learner examples
- We will see the fireworks tonight.
- The town has fireworks every New Year.
- Many people came to watch the fireworks in the park.
- They canceled the fireworks because of the storm.
Noun
informal
B2
event
3
loud, angry argument or trouble
A time when people suddenly get very angry and shout or argue a lot.
Usage pattern:
there are [fireworks]; expect [fireworks]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think this always means real fireworks in the sky. In informal English, "fireworks" can also mean strong anger or argument, especially in phrases like "there were fireworks" or "there will be fireworks."
Synonyms
outburst (Focuses more on a sudden release of emotion, not always involving a two‑way argument.)
Antonyms
calm discussion (Emphasizes a quiet, controlled conversation without anger or shouting.)
Collocations
there were fireworks
|expect fireworks
|cause fireworks
|political fireworks
|emotional fireworks
|fireworks at the meeting
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|work
|communication
Examples
- There were fireworks at the meeting when the budget cuts were announced.
- If he finds out you lied, there will be fireworks.
- The debate started politely but soon turned into political fireworks.
- You could feel the emotional fireworks when the two ex‑partners met again.
Learner examples
- There were fireworks when the boss heard the news.
- If she sees this mess, there will be fireworks.
- The talk was calm at first, but then there were fireworks.
- He enjoys watching the fireworks when other people fight.
Noun
C1
event
4
brilliant or flashy display of skill
A very exciting and showy performance or use of skill that makes people say "wow."
Usage pattern:
[adjective] fireworks; a display of [fireworks]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this figurative sense with the physical fireworks in the sky. When used with words like "verbal," "intellectual," or "musical," it usually means an exciting or very strong performance, not real explosions.
Synonyms
showmanship (Stresses the performer’s skill in entertaining an audience, not just the intensity or brilliance of the performance.)
Antonyms
dullness (Suggests a lack of excitement, energy, or interesting ideas.)
Collocations
verbal fireworks
|intellectual fireworks
|musical fireworks
|comic fireworks
|fireworks on stage
Themes
art
|communication
|emotions
|arts_entertainment
|education
Examples
- The play had plenty of verbal fireworks but not much story.
- The pianist's performance was full of musical fireworks.
- The debate promised intellectual fireworks but was actually rather slow.
- The comedian delivered an hour of comic fireworks that kept everyone laughing.
Learner examples
- The singer's show was all fireworks and big dances.
- The movie has some visual fireworks but a weak story.
- His talk had no fireworks, but the ideas were good.
- Fans want more fireworks from the team this season.
Grammar
Dictionary form
firework
IPA
GB/fˈaɪɚwˌɚk/
US/fˈaɪɚwˌɚk/
Syllables & stress
fire - work (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (fire)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: firework
- Plural: fireworks
Word family
Expressions
fireworks display
1/fˈaɪɚwˌɚks dɪsplˈeɪ/
fixed phrase
public show of fireworks
An organized event where people set off many fireworks so that others can watch and enjoy them.
Examples
- The city is hosting a huge fireworks display on New Year's Eve.
- We arrived early to get a good spot for the fireworks display.
- The fireworks display over the lake lasted for twenty minutes.
let off fireworks
1/lˈɛt ˈɔf fˈaɪɚwˌɚks/
fixed phrase
cause fireworks to explode
To make fireworks explode, usually as part of a celebration.
Examples
- They let off fireworks in the town square after midnight.
- Many fans let off fireworks outside the stadium.
- You're not allowed to let off fireworks near the hospital.
set off fireworks
1/sˈɛt ˈɔf fˈaɪɚwˌɚks/
fixed phrase
ignite fireworks so they explode
To light fireworks so that they explode and make lights and sounds.
Examples
- People were setting off fireworks in the street after the game.
- We usually set off fireworks in the backyard on New Year's Eve.
- It's illegal to set off fireworks in this area without a permit.
there will be fireworks
1/ðˈɛɹ wˈɪl bˈi fˈaɪɚwˌɚks/
idiom
informal
there will be anger and conflict
Used to say that people will become very angry and there will be a big argument or trouble.
Examples
- If he finds out you spent that money, there will be fireworks.
- There will be fireworks at the meeting when they hear the new plan.
- Tell her the truth now, or there will be fireworks later.
watch the fireworks
1/wˈɔt͡ʃ ðə fˈaɪɚwˌɚks/
idiom
informal
watch others argue or clash
To stay back and look at a big argument or dramatic situation between other people, often because it is interesting or entertaining.
Examples
- He just sat back and watched the fireworks as his colleagues argued.
- I'm not getting involved; I'll stay here and watch the fireworks.
- The journalists watched the fireworks between the two candidates on stage.