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

The pharmaceutical giant faces a major patent cliff starting this year as key protections for blockbuster drugs like Eliquis begin to expire.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

The firm’s blockbuster active fund, the JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF, charges a 0.35% annual fee.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

Despite the billion-dollar blockbuster that was “Barbie” in 2023, Hollywood has largely failed to consistently deliver big films targeted to women.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2026

It is an original blockbuster drama with something important to say.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

I hated the dreams with a burning passion, but the fact that I was having them didn’t seem like a big blockbuster of a surprise to me.

From "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" by Jordan Sonnenblick