blockbuster

noun

block·​bust·​er ˈbläk-ˌbə-stər How to pronounce blockbuster (audio)
Synonyms of blockbusternext
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 of blockbuster

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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
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.
But unlike her mom, Touzalin is beginning young adulthood with new hope after taking part in a study testing blockbuster GLP-1 drugs as a treatment. — Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026 Along with apparent feuds with Dave Portnoy and ex-Cooper ally Alix Earle (both repped by UTA BTW), the blockbuster podcaster has seen a lot of not so great attention directed to her spouse Matt Kaplan. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2026 The business strategy for modern superhero blockbusters nowadays is capital-I iteration. — Chris Lee, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2026 Then there was the blockbuster signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United. — Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for blockbuster

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of blockbuster was in 1942

Rhymes for blockbuster

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Browse Nearby Words

block brake
blockbuster
blockbusting
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Cite this Entry

“Blockbuster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blockbuster. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

blockbuster

noun
block·​bust·​er ˈbläk-ˌbəs-tər How to pronounce blockbuster (audio)
: one that is very large, successful, or violent
a blockbuster of a movie

More from Merriam-Webster on blockbuster

Nglish: Translation of blockbuster for Spanish Speakers

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