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

Paggi is growing a related plant that is a showstopper thanks to its fringed, brilliant orange-red — and occasionally yellow — petals and scarlet stamens. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 7 June 2025

Each year, Couture showcases the full breadth of fine jewelry, including everyday staples and classics to collectible and avant-garde one-of-a-kind showstoppers. —Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 5 June 2025

The United Arab Emirates isn’t short on showstoppers. —Natasha Amar, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

Lam is a former theater professional herself, and her insider knowledge of the job brings the storytelling to vivid life in this showstopper of a book. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 19 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