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

Marvel was always a visual medium, from the first illustrated comics in New York to the international blockbuster movies that are viewed all over the world. —Literary Hub, 27 Feb. 2026

While on the podcast, Arkapaw reflected on how over the last five years, Coogler never questioned Arkapaw stepping up to shoot a blockbuster film, nor having shot on large format 70mm and IMAX film. —Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 27 Feb. 2026

However, the stock has barely budged following the blockbuster report. —Fred Imbert, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2026

Yet Imax has continued to draw crowds with filmmakers like Cameron, Christopher Nolan and Denis Villeneuve all using the company’s cameras to shoot their blockbusters. —Brent Lang, Variety, 25 Feb. 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