blockbuster

noun

block·​bust·​er ˈbläk-ˌbə-stər How to pronounce blockbuster (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the year 2025, when an ex-Packers great in Aaron Rodgers is trying to save Pittsburgh, this kind of a blockbuster swap would only be fitting. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025 Miles McBride While impactful for the Knicks, McBride is a valuable young player on a team-friendly deal — exactly the type of sweetener that could tip the scales in a blockbuster trade. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025 The script was written by Drew Goddard, who also adapted Weir’s The Martian for Ridley Scott’s blockbuster movie. Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 30 June 2025 The franchise later executed a blockbuster trade, sending All-Star center Anthony Davis to Dallas in exchange for All-Star guard Luka Doncic. Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for blockbuster

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of blockbuster was in 1942

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Cite this Entry

“Blockbuster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blockbuster. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

blockbuster

noun
block·​bust·​er ˈbläk-ˌbəs-tər How to pronounce blockbuster (audio)
: one that is very large, successful, or violent
a blockbuster of a movie

More from Merriam-Webster on blockbuster

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