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

During the lead-up to Google's blockbuster 2004 IPO, co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page broke with protocol by giving an interview to Playboy magazine. —Greg Bensinger, USA Today, 3 June 2026

The man behind The Boy With the Light-Blue Eyes was also impressed by the craft behind the Spielberg dino blockbuster. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2026

The Rams famously are more willing to build out the core of their team by making blockbuster trades involving high value draft selections. —Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026

Director Nolan has confirmed that Kenyan Mexican actress Lupita Nyong’o is playing Helen of Troy in his upcoming blockbuster film version of Homer’s epic. —The Week Us, TheWeek, 2 June 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