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

James and Doncic formed a great partnership when they played together after the shocking blockbuster trade last February.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The security-services provider’s blockbuster IPO comes amid a string of public listings from European companies in the past two months, after market volatility staved off new listings for much of the year.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They added that the $12 million loss included key investments in athletes that helped the 2024 Olympic results: a blockbuster haul of 34 medals.

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Another blockbuster case, about the president’s power to fire top people at independent government agencies, is less in doubt.

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Yet all that doesn’t approach the wealth of Swift, who achieved billionaire status in 2023 after her blockbuster “Eras” tour, according to Forbes.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal