showstopper

noun

show·​stop·​per ˈshō-ˌstä-pər 

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

ˈshō-ˌstä-piŋ 

adjective

Synonyms

• babe [slang]
• cutie
• cutey
• dish
• doll
• dreamboat [slang]
• fox
• glamour-puss
• hottie
• knockout
• looker
• ten

Examples of showstopper in a Sentence

at the modeling agency everyone was a showstopper

Recent Examples on the Web

Each year, Couture showcases the full breadth of fine jewelry, including everyday staples and classics to collectible and avant-garde one-of-a-kind showstoppers. —Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 5 June 2025

The United Arab Emirates isn’t short on showstoppers. —Natasha Amar, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

Lam is a former theater professional herself, and her insider knowledge of the job brings the storytelling to vivid life in this showstopper of a book. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 19 May 2025

The Zenobia costume for the Duchess of Chatsworth attending the Devonshire Ball in 1897 is the kind of showstopper that would make Alessandro Michele swoon. —Amy Verner, Vogue, 7 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for showstopper

• eavesdropper
• grasshopper
• improper
• leafhopper
• sharecropper
• chopper
• copper
• cropper
• dropper
• pauper
• popper
• proper