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

The proposal sparked some criticism, with one fan pointing to the 2022 blockbuster trade to acquire quarterback Deshaun Watson. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026

The major prizes were divvied up between an auteur blank check in OBAA and an original blockbuster in Sinners. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026

With good reviews and positive word-of-mouth, the $200 million film could become the studio’s first original blockbuster. —Jordan Moreau, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026

Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars in the action blockbuster world are paying their respects to Chuck Norris, the actor and onetime martial arts champion who died Thursday. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 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
• muster

Kids Definition

blockbuster

noun

block·​bust·​er ˈbläk-ˌbəs-tər 

: one that is very large, successful, or violent

a blockbuster of a movie