showstopper

noun

show·​stop·​per ˈshō-ˌstä-pər How to pronounce showstopper (audio)
1
: an act, song, or performer that wins applause so prolonged as to interrupt a performance
2
: something or someone exceptionally arresting or attractive
the gold crown was the showstopper of the exhibition
3
: one that stops or could stop the progress, operation, or functioning of something
showstopping adjective

Examples of showstopper in a Sentence

at the modeling agency everyone was a showstopper
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The real showstopper, though, is the Black Hawk Statue, a 50-foot concrete monolith created by Lorado Taft in 1911. Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 23 Aug. 2025 The rooftop terrace is a showstopper: 360-degree views, a heated pool, outdoor kitchen and bar, and plenty of room for lounging in privacy. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 2025 The penultimate episode, Episode 4, is the showstopper here. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 21 Aug. 2025 That said, these challenges aren’t showstoppers—they’re growing pains. Bhupendra Singh, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for showstopper

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of showstopper was in 1916

Cite this Entry

“Showstopper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showstopper. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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