blockbuster
BLOK-buhs-tuh
Blockbuster (noun) means a film, book, or other creative work that is enormously popular and commercially successful. Example: “The studio's summer blockbuster broke box office records.”
noun
1
A film, book, or other creative work that is enormously popular and commercially successful.
"The studio's summer blockbuster broke box office records."
2
Anything unusually large, impressive, or impactful.
"Many—such as plants' relationships with mycorrhizal fungi—have been blockbuster moments in the history of life, with world-changing consequences."
— Merlin Sheldrake, Entangled Life (2020)
"The merger was a blockbuster deal for the industry."
"“How nice," she responded to his invitation, “but I've got a blockbuster of a headache. I'm paying for last night. Call me tomorrow, will you?""
— Yves Beauchemin, The Second Fiddle (1998)
"In the mid-2021 economy, employers are offering higher pay to attract scarce workers; airports and car lots are bustling; and a G.D.P. report due out next week will probably show blockbuster growth."
— Neil Irwin, Is the U.S. Economy Too Hot or Too Cold? Yes (2021)
How to use blockbuster
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA massive commercial hit, especially a film — or, more broadly, anything on a grand, impressive scale.
Common pairings
summer blockbuster
blockbuster deal
blockbuster movie
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Word forms
- Plural
- blockbusters
Fill the gap
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The studio's summer _____ broke box office records.
Etymology
Originally a term for a huge aerial bomb capable of destroying an entire city block, later applied figuratively to hugely successful films and events.
Synonyms
View more →
megahit
smash hit
Rhymes for blockbuster
See all rhymes for blockbuster →Frequently asked questions
What does “blockbuster” mean?
The word “blockbuster” means a film, book, or other creative work that is enormously popular and commercially successful. In plain terms, a massive commercial hit, especially a film — or, more broadly, anything on a grand, impressive scale.
How do you pronounce “blockbuster”?
“Blockbuster” is pronounced BLOK-buhs-tuh (/ˈblɑkˌbʌs.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “blockbuster” in a sentence?
Here is “blockbuster” used in a sentence: “The studio's summer blockbuster broke box office records.”
What part of speech is “blockbuster”?
“Blockbuster” is a noun.
Is “blockbuster” a common word?
“Blockbuster” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “blockbuster” have?
“Blockbuster” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a film, book, or other creative work that is enormously popular and commercially successful.
