blockbuster

noun, often attributive

block·bust·er | \ ˈbläk-ˌbə-stər

How to pronounce blockbuster (audio)

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Definition of blockbuster

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 & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about blockbuster

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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

Remaining nonplussed in the face of extreme bodily risk is all in a day’s work for Vikander, who has made a career out of shape-shifting seamlessly into radically strong female characters in thoughtful indie films and commercial blockbusters alike. — Harper's BAZAAR, "Alicia Vikander Leaps to New Heights—in Life and Fashion," 13 Mar. 2019 Mattel has produced entertainment content under different formats in recent years but hasn’t gone as far as creating a Hollywood blockbuster. — Kimberly Chin, WSJ, "Mattel Plans Live-Action Barbie Film," 8 Jan. 2019 Fly along for a tale that could be a Hollywood blockbuster. — Morning Brief, The Seattle Times, "Puffins are a dwindling treasure in Cannon Beach, plus Costco fans try to #SaveThePolishDog | Thursday Morning Brief, July 12," 12 July 2018 In the blockbuster of the two, the Court upheld the third version of President Trump’s travel ban, ruling that Trump acted within his authority by banning travel from eight majority-Muslim countries. — Benjamin Hart, Daily Intelligencer, "Supreme Court Upholds Trump’s Travel Ban in Huge Victory for Administration," 26 June 2018 That’s heavy stuff for a Hollywood blockbuster, and credit to Jennifer Lawrence for helping to get an intense, alienating drama made on a grand scale. — David Sims, The Atlantic, "Red Sparrow Is a Shockingly Brutal Espionage Thriller," 2 Mar. 2018 Blackness has never been represented with such versatility and power in a blockbuster. — Jeneé Osterheldt, kansascity, "‘Black Panther’ is so powerful, it could change Hollywood forever," 13 Feb. 2018 In this installment, Assistant Managing Editor, Lillian Dondero takes us to a blockbuster Frida Kahlo exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum. — Lillian Dondero, ELLE Decor, "Fashionably Late: An Editor's Take on the Frida Kahlo Exhibit in Brooklyn," 27 Mar. 2019 This impressive concourse was designed specifically for this annual blockbuster by the country’s famed architect Oscar Niemeyer, whose curvaceous, sculptural buildings pulse with sensual glamour and a spirit of mid-century optimism. — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, "Hamish Bowles Sambas His Way Through Rio de Janeiro’s Carnaval," 22 Mar. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'blockbuster.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for blockbuster

blockbuster

noun

English Language Learners Definition of blockbuster

: something that is very large, expensive, or successful

See the full definition for blockbuster in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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