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.
a spectacularly arresting or appealing person or thing.
This bright plaid suit is a real show-stopper.
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.
First recorded in 1945–50
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Her "show-stopper" is a large creation made to look like an ice cream sundae.
From BBC • Nov. 6, 2023
Per the drink's description label, with its "sunset hue, fresh sun-ripened peach flavor and vibrant, sparkling finish," Giambellino Peach Bellini is a guaranteed show-stopper at any brunch or similar social gathering.
From Salon • Jul. 20, 2022
Befitting the impresario, the property is a big, modern show-stopper, from its lush green driveway off Sunset Boulevard to its 6,500 square feet of meeting and event space.
From New York Times • Feb. 22, 2020
Pippen appeared in the 1990 slam dunk contest but didn’t make it out of the first round partly because the judges were relatively unimpressed by his show-stopper: a dunk from the foul line.
From Slate • Feb. 17, 2020
Wilson completed 17 of 23 passes for 268 yards and four touchdowns, including a 40-yard strike to receiver DK Metcalf and the perfectly placed show-stopper to Lockett.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2019
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
