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

showstopping

ˈshō-ˌstä-piŋ 

adjective

Synonyms

• doll
• looker
• lovely
• beauty
• eyeful
• babe [slang]
• dish
• ten
• dreamboat [slang]

Examples of showstopper in a Sentence

at the modeling agency everyone was a showstopper

Recent Examples on the Web

That said, these challenges aren’t showstoppers—they’re growing pains. —Bhupendra Singh, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025

Upstairs lies the showstopper: A 1,200-square-foot ballroom. —David Caraccio updated July 24, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2025

The Dominicana is a gorgeous drink, a showstopper, directionally similar to the White Russian but a different experience altogether. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 11 July 2025

The very public implosion of President Donald Trump and Elon Musk 's alliance may have captivated Wall Street this week, but the government's solid monthly employment report was the real showstopper. —Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 7 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for showstopper

• eavesdropper
• grasshopper
• improper
• leafhopper
• sharecropper
• chopper
• copper
• cropper
• dropper
• pauper
• popper
• proper