blockbuster

noun

block·​bust·​er ˈbläk-ˌbə-stər How to pronounce blockbuster (audio)
Synonyms of blockbuster
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.
Hathaway is fresh off two blockbusters with The Devil Wears Prada 2 and The Odyssey. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026 Cannes was bereft of a big blockbuster, and the industry went on to have one of its highest-earning summers ever. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 That puts Chris Nolan’s blockbuster at a North American haul of $564 million. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026 Now, technically, any movie that has stop-motion or CGI (so, every modern blockbuster) could qualify, since those are animation styles. — James Grebey, Vulture, 28 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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