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

From his collaborations with some of cinema’s most visionary filmmakers to his ability to captivate audiences in major studio blockbusters, Rob has continually challenged expectations and demonstrated the power of great storytelling. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2026

The downturn in markets largely reversed blockbuster gains from the previous session. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026

Cahillane joined the company in January and paused work on plans to split the company in two, a move that would have reversed the blockbuster $46 billion merger from a decade ago. — Maggie Roth, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026

That makes Ulya the most successful Latvian film in the country’s cinemas in 2026, putting it ahead of such Hollywood blockbusters as The Odyssey and Minions & Monsters. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 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