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 As the impeccable Matt Rodin pushes Jamie’s neurosis into hyperdrive, Elliott punctuates the showstopper with kinetic staging that finds a laugh lurking around every corner. Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024 Every holiday meal needs a showstopper dessert to top off the celebration. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2024 Get the recipe: Zucchini-Carrot Cake Our Favorite Easter Dessert Ideas Dessert: Limoncello Cheesecake Bars Cheesecake is always a showstopper dessert. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Feb. 2024 The absurd Tears for Fears/Michael Jackson showstopper that concludes the episode is pure gold and more than confirmed that this series refused to be tamed. EW.com, 26 Feb. 2024 This isn’t a showstopper for me either because longer reach, with better coverage, Sub-6 5G connectivity is on tap here. Dave Altavilla, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024 Guided by Filoli staff, artfully combine a mix of fresh flowers and greenery to create your own showstopper, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Brittany Delay, The Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2024 This showstopper, of course, is also not for sale but certainly deserving of a peek or a pic. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2024 But the real showstopper is the cape, which combines two natural elements to create one piece. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 24 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'showstopper.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of showstopper was in 1916

Dictionary Entries Near showstopper

Cite this Entry

“Showstopper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showstopper. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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