showstopper

noun

show·​stop·​per ˈshō-ˌstä-pər How to pronounce showstopper (audio)
1
: an act, song, or performer that wins applause so prolonged as to interrupt a performance
2
: something or someone exceptionally arresting or attractive
the gold crown was the showstopper of the exhibition
3
: one that stops or could stop the progress, operation, or functioning of something
showstopping adjective

Examples of showstopper in a Sentence

at the modeling agency everyone was a showstopper
Recent Examples on the Web Gudda blew kisses to the audience, shared hugs with his celebrity showstopper and the face of beauty brand House of Lakme, Ananya Panday, and stopped to dance to the music that continued even as his collection Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe, completed its run. Mayu Saini, WWD, 16 Oct. 2024 One of the showstoppers with the Red Sea location on the Saudi side is that the whole coastline is absolutely pristine. Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024 That one-on-one conversation is closely followed by a showstopper of a chase sequence through London’s iconic St. Pancras Station, overseen by the season’s director Adam Randall, and secured by location manager Ian Pollington. Alison Herman, Variety, 9 Oct. 2024 Already showing characteristics of both parents with dark green, glossy leaves and spiny, lobed leaflets, this vigorous plant will be a showstopper in any garden. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for showstopper 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'showstopper.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of showstopper was in 1916

Dictionary Entries Near showstopper

Cite this Entry

“Showstopper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showstopper. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!