blockbuster

American  

[blok-buhs-ter] / ˈblɒkˌbʌs tər /

noun

1. an aerial bomb containing high explosives and weighing from four to eight tons, used as a large-scale demolition bomb.

2. a motion picture, novel, etc., especially one lavishly produced, that has or is expected to have wide popular appeal or financial success.

3. something or someone that is forcefully or overwhelmingly impressive, effective, or influential.

   The campaign was a blockbuster.

4. a real-estate speculator who practices blockbusting.

---

blockbuster British  

/ ˈblɒkˌbʌstə /

noun

1. a large bomb used to demolish extensive areas or strengthened targets

2. a very successful, effective, or forceful person, thing, etc

3. a lavish film, show, novel, etc, that proves to be an outstanding popular success

---

Etymology

Origin of blockbuster

First recorded in 1940–45; block + buster

Explanation

A blockbuster is a Hollywood movie that's made with a large budget and big stars. A true blockbuster is extremely popular and brings in a lot of money. Typically, a blockbuster is a fabulous summer movie that audiences line up to see the first weekend it's released. You can also call a successful play or a new, popular video game a blockbuster. Less, often, a huge bomb is a blockbuster — this is the word's original, 1940s meaning, from the fact that such a bomb could destroy an entire city block. The entertainment meaning, from the 1950s, began as theater slang.

Example Sentences

Martin Keown: Looking at the draw, there will be some absolute blockbuster quarter-finals if the favourites win their groups, like England versus Brazil and Argentina against Portugal - or Messi against Cristiano Ronaldo.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

The IPO calendar is heating up with blockbuster deals as the bull market for U.S. stocks has run more than three years.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

The software platform provider announced a blockbuster earnings report.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Built on community connection rather than blockbuster spectacle, the Redondo Beach festival deliberately avoids typical pain points like long lines and dusty lots to create a comfortable oceanfront gathering.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

“Without Miss Dixon’s presence, we will no longer have a blockbuster event, publicity-wise. She’s the company icon, Mr. Branitt. She’s our Aunt Jemima, our Betty Crocker, our—” “Tony the Tiger?” said Curly.

From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen