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

After a lackluster year that saw the French box office drop by nearly 15% and become dominated by Hollywood blockbusters, 2026 is kicking off with a quartet of ambitious French films driving a 20% jump in theatrical admissions. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 4 Mar. 2026

The greatest screen villain of this century, period, cut the blockbuster check. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026

The winter blockbusters are winding down and the big summer showcases are yet to begin. —Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 2 Mar. 2026

The franchise and the fan base have already been invigorated by the December blockbuster addition of Quinn Hughes. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 2 Mar. 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