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.

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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

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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

Aschenbrenner’s filings are treated as blockbuster events on social media, with devotees counting down the days until the next release.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Overall, 67 percent of Americans play video games for at least an hour a week -- a figure broad enough to encompass everything from blockbuster console titles to casual mobile games like Wordle.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

SpaceX is due to begin trading next Friday, and other blockbuster IPOs could follow.

From MarketWatch • 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

“Yes, it’s a blockbuster, coming to a theater near you, called Deal with Your Own Crap.”

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali