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

The trailer for the film, released this morning, teases an emotional Matt and Ross Duffer wrapping up the Netflix tentpole show that took 10 years to make. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2026

Since natural movement and community are two of the nine Blue Zones tentpoles, while on Hilton Head Island, grab some pals and stroll along the beach with the bluest water in South Carolina. —Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025

Liu returns to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Shang-Chi in the 2026 tentpole opposite Downey as the villainous Doctor Doom. —Zack Sharf, Variety, 30 Dec. 2025

Global Features Director Erin Florio is the Global Features Director at Conde Nast Traveler, working across print, digital social and video on features, hotel news, major tentpole moments, and more. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Dec. 2025

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