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

That is a big deal, because blockbusters have massive production budgets and account for 88% of box office revenue for films released over the past four years. — Rob Bonta, Deadline, 10 Aug. 2026

The freaky version of Nikki from the summer blockbuster Obsession is coming to Halloween Horror Nights as Universal Studios Hollywood. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

The View From Abuja Nigeria is also preparing for another potential blockbuster IPO. — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Pinewood is one of the largest and most iconic film studios in the world, with blockbusters including James Bond, The Hobbit, and Star Wars movies all filming here over the past few decades. — Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 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