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.
For the record, Zimbabwe lost by an innings and 45 runs in the four-day Test against an England team tuning up for a blockbuster, legacy-defining stretch of Test cricket. Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025 Fowler recovered from the injury and was notably involved in a blockbuster 2017 midseason trade that sent him to the Oakland A’s as part of the deal that netted the Yankees pitcher Sonny Gray. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 May 2025 Throw in offbeat sports titles, blockbuster remakes of beloved stealth-action games, and even an art-house herding game and this has all the makings of a killer 2025 mid-section. Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 23 May 2025 Since then, she's continued to reprise her role as Letty in the Fast & Furious franchise and appeared in the Machete films and the blockbuster movie Avatar. Lindy Segal, People.com, 23 May 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 28 May. 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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