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

Seaworld Venice riffed on Kevin Costner’s 1995 sci-fi blockbuster Waterworld, in which melting polar caps give way to a planet consumed by rising seas. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 24 June 2026

It's got the production values of a modern blockbuster, but the sensibility of a 1990s arcade game. — James Perkins Mastromarino, NPR, 24 June 2026

As part of the blockbuster trade that sent two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami, the Heat selected Tennessee forward Nate Ament on behalf of the Milwaukee Bucks with the 13th overall pick on Tuesday night. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026

Nolan cast the British actor in several of his blockbusters, including his Dark Knight trilogy and Inception. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 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
• maister

Kids Definition

blockbuster

noun

block·​bust·​er ˈbläk-ˌbəs-tər 

: one that is very large, successful, or violent

a blockbuster of a movie