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

Adapted from the 1980s series, the Universal film follows down-at-his-heels action choreographer Colt Seavers (Gosling), who must unravel a treacherous mystery while on the set of the next big blockbuster. —Meredith Woerner, Variety, 4 May 2024

After reading Suzanne Collins’ book of the same name, Swift was inspired to write a song for the Jennifer Lawrence blockbuster. —Shannon Carlin, TIME, 3 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