blockbuster

noun

block·​bust·​er ˈbläk-ˌbə-stər How to pronounce blockbuster (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After a blockbuster offseason of additions, the team seemed well positioned to return to the playoffs this season. Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025 Those included blockbuster diabetes and weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, a cost-saving move that would take effect in 2027. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 13 May 2025 Here’s what experts say about selling gold jewelry for cash Consumers have grown increasingly frustrated with ticket sellers in recent years, especially as a number of blockbuster tours tested the limits of what concert goers were willing to pay. Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 13 May 2025 After a world premiere three years ago at the San Francisco Opera and a second run at Barcelona’s Liceu, this big, populous, swords-and-sandals blockbuster arrived at the Metropolitan Opera trailing ghostly memories of Elizabeth Taylor (onscreen) and Leontyne Price (onstage). Justin Davidson, Vulture, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for blockbuster

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of blockbuster was in 1942

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Cite this Entry

“Blockbuster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blockbuster. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

blockbuster

noun
block·​bust·​er ˈbläk-ˌbəs-tər How to pronounce blockbuster (audio)
: one that is very large, successful, or violent
a blockbuster of a movie

More from Merriam-Webster on blockbuster

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