\Fire"work`\, n.
1. A device for producing a striking display of light, or a
   figure or figures in plain or colored fire, by the
   combustion of materials that burn in some peculiar manner,
   as gunpowder, sulphur, metallic filings, and various
   salts. The most common feature of fireworks is a paper or
   pasteboard tube filled with the combustible material. A
   number of these tubes or cases are often combined so as to
   make, when kindled, a great variety of figures in fire,
   often variously colored. The skyrocket is a common form of
   firework. The name is also given to various combustible
   preparations used in war.
2. pl. A pyrotechnic exhibition. [Obs. in the sing.]
         Night before last, the Duke of Richmond gave a
         firework.                             --Walpole.