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

Example Sentences

Nvidia on Wednesday reported blockbuster quarterly results that blew past Wall Street expectations, posting record revenue of $68.1 billion as insatiable demand for its artificial intelligence chips showed no sign of cooling.

From Barron's

The company evidently has more in the works, but its name is most often in the news in relation to its blockbuster cancer drug, Keytruda.

From Barron's

Circle had a blockbuster stock-market debut in June last year, with shares surging far above its initial offering price.

From The Wall Street Journal

This was supposed to be a blockbuster year for initial public offerings.

From The Wall Street Journal

None of the nominees had been major box office blockbusters, and in the case of “Crash” controversy had raged over several PGA-credited producers not being permitted to receive a statue.

From Los Angeles Times