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
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
For Capital One, the credit card issuer’s $35 billion blockbuster acquisition of Discover Financial, which closed in May, lifted shares, too.
—
Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2026
In that global blockbuster series from Netflix, Lee’s Front Man is the opposite of Man-su, a powerful figure in the shadows who oversees a deadly game in which participants literally die in pursuit of prize money.
—Carole Horst, Variety, 12 Jan. 2026
George Clooney, honored as best actor for Jay Kelly, and Wyle, recognized as best TV actor for The Pitt, presented the awards to one another, a nod to their longtime friendship and collaboration that began in 1994 on the blockbuster series ER.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 11 Jan. 2026
After earning rapturous reviews, a worldwide gross of nearly $370 million, and a thumbs up from Tom Cruise, Ryan Coogler's horror blockbuster was nominated for seven Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture - Drama.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for blockbuster
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.
Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2026
In that global blockbuster series from Netflix, Lee’s Front Man is the opposite of Man-su, a powerful figure in the shadows who oversees a deadly game in which participants literally die in pursuit of prize money.
—Carole Horst, Variety, 12 Jan. 2026
George Clooney, honored as best actor for Jay Kelly, and Wyle, recognized as best TV actor for The Pitt, presented the awards to one another, a nod to their longtime friendship and collaboration that began in 1994 on the blockbuster series ER.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 11 Jan. 2026
After earning rapturous reviews, a worldwide gross of nearly $370 million, and a thumbs up from Tom Cruise, Ryan Coogler's horror blockbuster was nominated for seven Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture - Drama.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for blockbuster
Cite this Entry
“Blockbuster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blockbuster. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
blockbuster
noun
block·bust·er
ˈbläk-ˌbəs-tər
: one that is very large, successful, or violent
a blockbuster of a movie
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
