tentpole

noun

tent·​pole ˈtent-ˌpōl How to pronounce tentpole (audio)
: a big-budget movie whose earnings are expected to compensate the studio for its less profitable movies

Examples of tentpole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Jenkins also emphasized the need for a federal tax credit, in addition to state, in order for tentpole feature productions to remain in California. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 24 June 2025 Mamdani's tentpole endorsements in the race came from left-wing Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and progressive Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, whose district includes parts of the Bronx and Queens. James Powel, USA Today, 24 June 2025 From launching tentpole franchises such as World's Most Beautiful and Hot Guy Summer to covering the royal family's annual appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony for Trooping the Colour and, of course, all the juicy commentary on all of pop culture's hottest topics. Brendan Le, People.com, 20 June 2025 The highly anticipated summer tentpole is a seminal moment for Gunn and Peter Safran, as its their first homegrown release since being tasked with restoring the luster to DC and making a stab at catching up with Marvel Studios. Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for tentpole

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tentpole was in 1987

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Cite this Entry

“Tentpole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tentpole. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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