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

• babe [slang]
• cutie
• cutey
• dish
• doll
• dreamboat [slang]
• fox
• glamour-puss
• hottie
• knockout
• looker
• ten

Examples of showstopper in a Sentence

at the modeling agency everyone was a showstopper

Recent Examples on the Web

Apart from bouquets and centerpieces for holidays and special occasions, Jessica also shows off her arranging skills in videos depicting how the floral showstoppers come together. —Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025

What’s On the Menu The Official Kentucky Derby 151 On-Track Food Menu delivers a mix of Southern staples and polished showstoppers—dishes that are comforting, upscale, and built to last through long race-day service. —Nasha Smith, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

With its corset bodice and mermaid style, this dress is a showstopper for formal and semiformal weddings alike. —Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025

Covered in sugar-citrus glaze, this ham recipe (pictured) is a showstopper worthy of the center of the table. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 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