showstopper
noun
show·stop·per
ˈshō-ˌstä-pər 
1
: an act, song, or performer that wins applause so prolonged as to interrupt a performance
2
: something or someone exceptionally arresting or attractive
the gold crown was the showstopper of the exhibition
3
: one that stops or could stop the progress, operation, or functioning of something
Examples of showstopper in a Sentence
at the modeling agency everyone was a showstopper
Recent Examples on the Web
This elegant sweater dress is a showstopper.
—
Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2025
Fans saw a career-making performance by U2 and a showstopper by Queen.
—Tom Freston, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2025
Her pink tulle dress is quite the showstopper, but any pink dress will do (though the fluffier the better).
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
This is a showstopper apple pie, but don’t be intimidated.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for showstopper
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Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2025
Fans saw a career-making performance by U2 and a showstopper by Queen.
—Tom Freston, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2025
Her pink tulle dress is quite the showstopper, but any pink dress will do (though the fluffier the better).
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
This is a showstopper apple pie, but don’t be intimidated.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for showstopper
Cite this Entry
“Showstopper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showstopper. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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