pyrotechnic

1 of 2

adjective

py·​ro·​tech·​nic ˌpī-rə-ˈtek-nik 

variants or less commonly pyrotechnical

ˌpī-rə-ˈtek-ni-kəl 

: of or relating to pyrotechnics

pyrotechnically

ˌpī-rə-ˈtek-ni-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

pyrotechnic

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: firework

b

: any of various similar devices (as for igniting a rocket or producing an explosion)

2

: a combustible substance used in a firework

Did you know?

You've read about funeral pyres, and you may even have survived a pyromaniac ("insane fire-starting") stage in your youth, so you might have guessed that pyr means "fire" in Greek. Pyrotechnic refers literally to fireworks, but always seems to be used for something else—something just as exciting, explosive, dazzling, sparkling, or brilliant. The performances of sports stars and dancers are often described as pyrotechnic, and a critic may describe the pyrotechnics of a rock guitarist's licks or a film's camerawork. A pyrotechnic performance is always impressive, but the word occasionally suggests something more like "flashy" or "flamboyant".

Examples of pyrotechnic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The city began contracting with Fireworks America in 1995 for the annual pyrotechnic show known as the July 4th Fireworks, the staff report states. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

Investigators believe pyrotechnic devices — potentially fireworks — were thrown into the restaurant, breaking the windows in three places. —Nbc News, NBC news, 10 Apr. 2026

Noun

While critics have been tough on the Finnish director’s blending of human sentiment and thrashing violence and pyrotechnics, audiences know his brand – consciously or unconsciously. —Matt Donnelly, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026

That these beings, born in the explosion of stars, love pyrotechnics, and that is why there is war. —Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French pyrotechnique, from Greek pyr fire + technē art — more at technical

First Known Use

Adjective

1629, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for pyrotechnic

• polytechnic
• technic