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noun C1 Advanced Uncommon

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.
"The merger was a blockbuster deal for the industry."

How to use blockbuster

Learner’s notes

In 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

Word forms

blockbusters plural

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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.

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.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial