blockbuster

[blok-buhs-ter]

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of blockbuster¹

First recorded in 1940–45; block + buster

Example Sentences

That easily makes it one of the most expensive productions in television history — and one that rivals budgets for blockbuster films.

Read more on MarketWatch

Once seen as a major — and lucrative — destination for big Hollywood blockbusters, the country now has a more robust local film industry that’s pumping out strong competitors.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

David Harbour's performance as Jim Hopper has proved to be his gateway into blockbuster hits including Marvel films Black Widow and Thunderbolts.

Read more on BBC

But professional composers by no means went away, and have only grown in importance with the rise of blockbuster pop in the streaming era.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Fifa wants to ensure the top-ranked countries do not meet earlier in the knockout rounds, thus potentially creating blockbuster games later in the tournament.

Read more on BBC