blockbuster

noun

block·​bust·​er ˈbläk-ˌbə-stər 

often attributive

1

: a very large high-explosive bomb

2

: one that is notably expensive, effective, successful, large, or extravagant

3

: one who engages in blockbusting

Synonyms

• hit
• megahit
• smash
• success
• supernova
• winner

Examples of blockbuster in a Sentence

a 900-page blockbuster of a novel

the movie is expected to be the biggest blockbuster of the summer

Recent Examples on the Web

Cliff Russell, 39, said in an interview that his two teenage daughters were interested in seeing blockbuster tours this year from acts like Rodrigo, Drake, Eilish and Swift. —Joe Coscarelli, New York Times, 6 June 2024

Since then, her family has continued to cheer her on as she's received recognition for both her breakout and blockbuster roles — often attending movie premieres and red carpet events with her. —Makena Gera, Peoplemag, 30 May 2024

Dreyfuss starred in the 1975 blockbuster that was filmed in Massachusetts and screened Saturday night at The Cabot, a performing arts center in the coastal community of Beverly. —CBS News, 28 May 2024

The actor, who of course played the Boy Who Lived in all eight of the blockbuster Harry Potter movies, recently told E! —Lauren Huff, EW.com, 24 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

blockbuster

noun

block·​bust·​er ˈbläk-ˌbəs-tər 

: one that is very large, successful, or violent

a blockbuster of a movie