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

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

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