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 Wiig’s costumes on the show, which took place in the fictional elite social circle of 1960s Florida, were almost as glamorous as this red carpet showstopper. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 16 Sep. 2024 What follows is the documentary’s first big showstopper sequence, where Gibney cuts together multiple audition tapes for many major Sopranos roles with clips of the final versions of those scenes from the actual show, played by the actors who won each role. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 6 Sep. 2024 The showstopper here is the flaming chorizo, which adds a touch of drama to dinner. Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2024 But in the chaotic political landscape of 2024, a simple statement of fact served as the showstopper on Tuesday’s showdown between former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for showstopper 

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 11 Oct. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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