French word

pétard

Pronunciation

IPA/petaʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounfirecracker

Example

Des enfants jouent avec des pétards.

Children are playing with firecrackers.

Illustration for pétard (firecracker)

More examples

On a entendu des pétards toute la soirée.

We heard firecrackers all evening.

Core concept

A tiny packed charge that bursts into a sudden, sharp bang.

Common phrases

  • allumer un pétard

    light a firecracker

  • faire péter des pétards

    set off firecrackers

  • acheter des pétards

    buy firecrackers

Similar words

bombe: A powerful bomb capable of causing major damage and posing serious danger.
feu d'artifice: A fireworks display using launched or arranged effects of light and sound.
joint: A small paper-wrapped cannabis cigarette intended for smoking.

Definition in French

Charge pyrotechnique de petite taille qui provoque une forte détonation brève, nommée d'après le bruit qu'elle produit.

Word origin

Pétard derives from the verb péter, 'to burst,' which comes from Latin pedere, and it was formed for an object associated with a bursting sound.

Usage tips

  • Pétard is masculine, so standard forms include un pétard and des pétards.

Other meanings

  • jointnoun

Word lists with this word