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

This success extends beyond blockbusters to biopics and family films, with IMAX's market share significantly increasing post-pandemic. — David Deal, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Discovery until an August hearing on the blockbuster consolidation. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 20 July 2026

While most actresses in big summer blockbusters are expected to promote them, never before had the effort been so transparent to the public. — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

Make no mistake, the Swoosh’s blockbuster World Cup campaign generated huge attention and media impact, but early indications are that Adidas emerged as the winner on the sales front. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 20 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