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
Since natural movement and community are two of the nine Blue Zones tentpoles, while on Hilton Head Island, grab some pals and stroll along the beach with the bluest water in South Carolina.
—
Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
Liu returns to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Shang-Chi in the 2026 tentpole opposite Downey as the villainous Doctor Doom.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 30 Dec. 2025
Streaming wars that had accelerated during pandemic lockdown had even the industry leader thinking more strategically; Netflix released the first seven episodes of its tentpole in May but saved the last two for July.
—Judy Berman, Time, 26 Dec. 2025
Superman was Gunn’s first big tentpole in the new DC Studios, led by himself and Peter Safran; the pic grossing over $616M around the world.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tentpole
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
Liu returns to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Shang-Chi in the 2026 tentpole opposite Downey as the villainous Doctor Doom.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 30 Dec. 2025
Streaming wars that had accelerated during pandemic lockdown had even the industry leader thinking more strategically; Netflix released the first seven episodes of its tentpole in May but saved the last two for July.
—Judy Berman, Time, 26 Dec. 2025
Superman was Gunn’s first big tentpole in the new DC Studios, led by himself and Peter Safran; the pic grossing over $616M around the world.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tentpole
Cite this Entry
“Tentpole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tentpole. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share