blockbuster

noun, often attributive

block·bust·er | \ ˈbläk-ˌbə-stər

\

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

The apocalyptic modern versions of the story that the blockbusters tell can be interesting — who hasn’t crashed their toys together and imagined epic world-ending battles? — Alissa Wilkinson, Vox, "Bumblebee is basically E.T., but with a Transformer. It’s delightful!," 18 Dec. 2018 There are the blockbusters, of course, like the free-wheeling Spider-Man and the meticulously detailed Red Dead Redemption 2. — Andrew Webster, The Verge, "The 15 best video games of 2018," 17 Dec. 2018 And this was across the board: for movies that were made for less than $10 million (indies) or for films over $100 million (blockbusters). — Samantha Leach, Glamour, "Female-Led Films Earn More Than Ones Starring Men, According to a New Study," 11 Dec. 2018 In other words, your Hollywood blockbuster movie will look like a 1970s BBC TV series. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Tom Cruise finally takes a stand… on your parents’ terrible TV settings," 5 Dec. 2018 In Toronto and San Antonio, new Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard and new Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan talked about the summertime blockbuster that saw them changing jerseys. — Tim Reynolds, The Seattle Times, "Welcome to camp: NBA teams starting their new seasons," 25 Sep. 2018 Forget about those disposable Adam Sandler comedies, or the stunt blockbusters like Bright or The Cloverfield Paradox; Netflix is finally using its war chest of billions to finance movies worth watching. — Taylor Antrim, Vogue, "With Hold the Dark, Netflix’s Original Movies Are Finally Getting Interesting," 28 Sep. 2018 Last year saw a number of deals get made, including the blockbuster that sent Jimmy Butler to the Timberwolves in exchange for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and the No. — Daniel Rapaport, SI.com, "NBA Draft Trades Roundup: Tracking Every Deal," 21 June 2018 The Bridges deal was the second blockbuster of the first round. — Marc Narducci, Philly.com, "Mo Bamba, Lonnie Walker headline NBA draft full of Philadelphia-area talent," 21 June 2018

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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