blockbuster

noun

block·​bust·​er ˈbläk-ˌbə-stər 

often attributive

1

: a very large high-explosive bomb

2

: one that is notably expensive, effective, successful, large, or extravagant

3

: one who engages in blockbusting

Synonyms of blockbuster

• success
• hit

Examples of blockbuster in a Sentence

a 900-page blockbuster of a novel

the movie is expected to be the biggest blockbuster of the summer

Recent Examples on the Web

The movie is probably more important, however, as a precursor of the sci-fi blockbusters that would follow. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 4 July 2026

Greed, hubris and a Steven Spielberg blockbuster ruined Atari and nearly tanked the home video game industry forever. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026

Steinfeld starred in the Oscar-winning blockbuster Sinners and recorded an original song for the film's soundtrack. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

The film also topped major streaming charts in its first week on PVOD, solidifying its status as a summer horror blockbuster. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for blockbuster

• adjuster
• baluster
• combustor
• lackluster
• bluster
• buster
• cluster
• duster
• juster
• luster
• lustre
• maister

Kids Definition

blockbuster

noun

block·​bust·​er ˈbläk-ˌbəs-tər 

: one that is very large, successful, or violent

a blockbuster of a movie