blockbuster

noun, often attributive

block·bust·er | \ ˈbläk-ˌbə-stər

How to pronounce blockbuster (audio)

\

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

Keep scrolling for more

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

At cinemas in the capital, Yakutsk, local productions often outgross Hollywood blockbusters. — The Economist, "The pitfalls of making movies in Siberia," 11 July 2019 The Netflix blockbuster features a terrifying, monster-laden universe. — Ariana Romero, refinery29.com, "Ready To Binge Stranger Things Season 3? Here's Where We Left Off," 5 July 2019 All three drugs are brand-name blockbusters for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and Crohn’s but are facing generic competition. — Christopher Rowland, Washington Post, "Alzheimer’s research is getting a reboot at small companies focused on the immune system," 5 July 2019 As Black Panther 2 begins to take shape, fans are questioning if one key player from the blockbuster first installment will return. — Matt Mcnulty, PEOPLE.com, "Marvel Boss Addresses Rumors That Michael B. Jordan Is Back as Villain in Black Panther 2," 3 July 2019 Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings has agreed to acquire Scott Borchetta’s Big Machine Label Group in a blockbuster deal backed by the Carlyle Group. — Ed Christman, Billboard, "Scooter Braun Acquires Scott Borchetta's Big Machine Label Group, Taylor Swift Catalog For Over $300 Million," 30 June 2019 The resale industry hit a milestone today as shares of the RealReal, a secondhand luxury retailer, started trading on Nasdaq after a blockbuster IPO. — Sangeeta Singh-kurtz, Quartzy, "People don’t care if their clothes are new anymore," 28 June 2019 Also, Paramount executives were upset when Abrams went to make the 2015 blockbuster Star Wars: The Force Awakens for Disney, which grossed more than $2 billion at the global box office. — Ryan Faughnder, Dallas News, "Hollywood producer J.J. Abrams near massive deal with AT&T's entertainment group," 18 June 2019 Summer is when moviegoers flock to the cineplex to check out the latest Hollywood blockbusters. — Chuck Barney, The Mercury News, "Movies under the stars: Where to see SF Bay Area outdoor flicks," 12 June 2019

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.

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

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

Keep scrolling for more

Comments on blockbuster

What made you want to look up blockbuster? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

cogent

appealing forcibly to the mind or reason

Test Your Vocabulary

Farm Idioms Quiz

What does 'poke' refer to in the expression 'pig in a poke'?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ