tentpole
noun
tent·pole
ˈtent-ˌpōl 
: 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
One of the major tentpoles of the rebuild is constructing a team that’s younger and cheaper.
—
Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2026
Over Memorial Day weekend, the tentpole had launched to $102 million over the holiday stretch (including $81 million over the traditional three-day frame) as well as $163 million globally.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 27 May 2026
But this past spring, when prognosticators began predicting what Hollywood tentpoles might premiere on the Croisette, the pickings were slim.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 27 May 2026
That was still a sharp commercial comedown for a tentpole that so recently seemed invincible.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tentpole
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Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2026
Over Memorial Day weekend, the tentpole had launched to $102 million over the holiday stretch (including $81 million over the traditional three-day frame) as well as $163 million globally.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 27 May 2026
But this past spring, when prognosticators began predicting what Hollywood tentpoles might premiere on the Croisette, the pickings were slim.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 27 May 2026
That was still a sharp commercial comedown for a tentpole that so recently seemed invincible.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tentpole
Cite this Entry
“Tentpole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tentpole. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.
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