show-stopper

or show·stop·per

[ shoh-stop-er ]

/ ˈʃoʊˌstɒp ər /

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noun

Theater. a performer or performance that wins enthusiastic or prolonged applause.

a spectacularly arresting or appealing person or thing: This bright plaid suit is a real show-stopper.

QUIZZES

THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?

Did you ever collect all those state quarters? Put them to good use on this quiz about curious state monikers and the facts around them.

Question 1 of 8

Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?

The Sunflower State

The Evergreen State

The Magnolia State

The Mockingbird State

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of show-stopper

First recorded in 1945–50

OTHER WORDS FROM show-stopper

show-stopping, showstopping, adjective

Words nearby show-stopper

show signs of, show someone a good time, show someone out, show someone the door, show someone the ropes, show-stopper, show the way, show the white feather, show-through, showtime, show to advantage

Example sentences from the Web for show-stopper

Policemen on the show joke about prison riots, bomb threats, and the shooting of unarmed civilians.
'Babylon' Review: The Dumb Lives of Trigger-Happy Cops|Melissa Leon|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
As soon as this attack [happened], Paris citizens came together to show were are not afraid, we are Charlie Hebdo.
France Kills Charlie Hebdo Murderers|Nico Hines|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
And they might not have to wait that long to show their political heft.
Asian-Americans Are The New Florida|Tim Mak|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Not actual CIA agents, but U.S. government personnel who have worked very closely with the CIA, and who are fans of the show.
‘Archer’ Creator Adam Reed Spills Season 6 Secrets, From Surreal Plotlines to Life Post-ISIS|Marlow Stern|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST

Earlier this week, Huckabee ended his Fox News talk show so he could spend time mulling another bid for the Republican nomination.
Huckabee 2016: Bend Over and Take It Like a Prisoner!|Olivia Nuzzi|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
None other would dare to show herself unveiled to a stranger, and a white man at that.
The Red Year|Louis Tracy
I shall show how it is possible thus to prolong life to the term set by God.
The Mediaeval Mind (Volume II of II)|Henry Osborn Taylor
Not only do children thus of themselves extend the scope of our commands, they show a disposition to make rules for themselves.
Children's Ways|James Sully
He called upon the Order to show their title-deeds, but was met with a contemptuous refusal.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
If any one has lost his temper, as well as his money, he takes good care not to show it; to do so here would be indeed bad form.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3)|Charles James Wills

British Dictionary definitions for show-stopper

show stopper

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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show-stopper

or show·stop·per

noun

QUIZZES

THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?

Origin of show-stopper

OTHER WORDS FROM show-stopper

Words nearby show-stopper

Example sentences from the Web for show-stopper

British Dictionary definitions for show-stopper

noun