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

Lumentum Holdings had a blockbuster quarter, rising 84% and claiming a spot in the S&P 500.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

OpenAI completed the largest funding round in Silicon Valley history, raising $122 billion ahead of a blockbuster IPO expected by the end of the year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

The standout in its portfolio is Leqembi, an Alzheimer’s drug co-developed with Eisai, which has shaped into Biogen’s newest blockbuster medicine.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Tolkan was also well known for drilling Maverick and Goose with swift reprimands and tough love between puffs of his cigar as their commanding officer, Tom “Stinger” Jardian, in the 1986 blockbuster “Top Gun.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

It was almost like watching the plan beamed straight from his brain onto the screen of a blockbuster movie.

From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman