firecracker

[fahyuhr-krak-er]

noun

1. a paper or cardboard cylinder filled with an explosive and having a fuse, for discharging to make a noise, as during a celebration.

firecracker

/ ˈfaɪəˌkrækə /

noun

1. a small cardboard container filled with explosive powder and lit by a fuse

adjective

1. impressively energetic

   a firecracker start to the race

Word History and Origins

Origin of firecracker¹

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30; fire + cracker

Example Sentences

Over the weekend, protests continued, with police in central Jakarta firing tear gas to disperse crowds on the streets, while some demonstrators throwing Molotov cocktails and firecrackers at a police compound.

From BBC

It’s possible the hotel was also happy to bid them farewell, given Hemingway’s conversion of their suite into an impromptu boxing ring with an indoor firecracker habit to boot.

From Salon

The older students were still inside, waiting for lunchtime, when the firecrackers they thought they heard became the sound of bullets.

From Salon

Flares, firecrackers and chairs were thrown on to the field and the game was halted numerous times before the players were taken off the field with 65 minutes on the clock.

From BBC

Another student told the paper that at first she thought the shots were firecrackers, but "then there was screaming, and we ran".

From BBC