show-stopper

Or show·stop·per

[shoh-stop-er]

noun

1. Theater.,  a performer, performance, or musical number that wins enthusiastic or prolonged applause.

   The singer proves that she is simply a show-stopper after her resoundingly successful debut.

2. a spectacularly arresting or appealing person or thing.

   This bright plaid suit is a real show-stopper.

3. a significant obstacle or problem, especially one halting a process already underway.

   The bug was a show-stopper, delaying the game's release by months.

show stopper

noun

1. informal,  a stage act, etc, that receives so much applause as to interrupt the performance

Other Word Forms

• show-stopping adjective
• showstopping adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of show-stopper¹

First recorded in 1945–50