showstopper

noun

show·​stop·​per ˈshō-ˌstä-pər How to pronounce showstopper (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of showstopper in a Sentence

at the modeling agency everyone was a showstopper
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.
Digital-Ditching Dad Citizen PCAT Providing Dad’s favorite digi-functions in an analog showstopper that could convert the most devout Casio man is the kind of challenge Citizen lives for any day—let alone the third Sunday in June. Outside Online, 16 May 2025 At Monday evening’s 2025 Met Gala, the showstopper wore custom Valentino, a nod to the late Andre Leon Talley’s billowing caftans. Ruth Etiesit Samuel, Essence, 5 May 2025 Lauryn Hill Photo: Getty Images Her choice of bag, meanwhile, was a total showstopper. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 6 May 2025 After the showstopper of a performance that Divighn gave in the Knockouts, he should be ushered not just back into the competition but straight on through to the finale. Charlie Mason, TVLine, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for showstopper

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of showstopper was in 1916

Cite this Entry

“Showstopper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showstopper. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!