tentpole

noun

tent·​pole ˈtent-ˌpōl 

: a big-budget movie whose earnings are expected to compensate the studio for its less profitable movies

Examples of tentpole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Practically, the schedules of the increasingly in-demand stars could only align for so long between Marvel tentpoles and Broadway stints. — Alison Herman, Variety, 25 June 2026

Over the years, the Oscars have garnered a reputation for snubbing studio tentpoles from consideration in above-the-line categories. — Sophia Morano, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Who knew this $10M indie feature with an under $20M P&A spend which released one week after Mandalorian and Grogu (which cost $165M net and a hundred million plus in global P&A) would overtake an anticipated summer franchise tentpole? — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 June 2026

The Little Gold Men crew also wonders who among the next generation of filmmakers might be able to walk the same path—releasing big, bold tentpoles, but also winning over Oscar voters. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 18 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tentpole

• bankroll
• bedroll
• borehole
• cajole
• catchpole
• charcoal
• condole
• control
• dipole
• downhole
• enroll
• extol