gangbuster

1 of 2

noun

gang·​bust·​er ˈgaŋ-ˌbə-stər How to pronounce gangbuster (audio)
Synonyms of gangbusternext
: one engaged in the aggressive breakup of organized criminal gangs
see also:
like gangbusters

gangbuster

2 of 2

adjective

gang·​bust·​er ˈgaŋ-ˌbə-stər How to pronounce gangbuster (audio)

less common variant of gangbusters

: outstandingly excellent or successful
a gangbusters ballplayer

Examples of gangbuster in a Sentence

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.
Noun
ExxonMobil and Chevron, the two biggest US oil companies, reported gangbusters profits on Friday driven by the spike in global oil prices unleashed by the US-Iran war. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 31 July 2026 Restaurants and hotels on Main Street have been big beneficiaries this week, and merchandise for the tournament is going gangbusters, including $54 for one particular hat and $176 for a certain belt. — Jennifer McLogan, CBS News, 16 June 2026 Cutesy toys are going gangbusters among Japanese adults. — J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 28 May 2026 The film played like gangbusters in Directors’ Fortnight. — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for gangbuster

Word History

Etymology

Noun

gang entry 1 + bust entry 2 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gangbuster was in 1930

Rhymes for gangbuster

See All Rhymes for gangbuster

Browse Nearby Words

gangboard
gangbuster
gangbusters
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gangbuster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gangbuster. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for gangbuster

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