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noun B1 Intermediate

firework

FY-wk

Firework (noun) means a device that burns or explodes to produce coloured light, sparks, or noise, used for celebrations. Example: “A single firework lit up the sky over the harbour.”

noun
1
A device that burns or explodes to produce coloured light, sparks, or noise, used for celebrations.
"A single firework lit up the sky over the harbour."

How to use firework

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn explosive device set off for a colourful, noisy display.

Common pairings
light a firework set off fireworks

Word forms

fireworks plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A single _____ lit up the sky over the harbour.

Etymology

From fire and work; the English word likely arrived via Dutch and German equivalents in the 1500s.

Origin: German · First attested 1500

Class of 1500 firework joined the language around 1500.
See the full Class of 1500 →

Related words

Rhymes for firework

See all rhymes for firework →

Frequently asked questions

What does “firework” mean?

The word “firework” means a device that burns or explodes to produce coloured light, sparks, or noise, used for celebrations. In plain terms, an explosive device set off for a colourful, noisy display.

How do you pronounce “firework”?

“Firework” is pronounced FY-wk (/ˈfaɪɚˌwɚk/ in IPA).

How do you use “firework” in a sentence?

Here is “firework” used in a sentence: “A single firework lit up the sky over the harbour.”

What part of speech is “firework”?

“Firework” is a noun.

Where does the word “firework” come from?

The word “firework” dates back to around 1500 and comes from German. From fire and work; the English word likely arrived via Dutch and German equivalents in the 1500s.

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