blockbuster

noun

block·​bust·​er ˈbläk-ˌbə-stər 

often attributive

1

: a very large high-explosive bomb

2

: one that is notably expensive, effective, successful, large, or extravagant

3

: one who engages in blockbusting

Synonyms

• hit
• megahit
• smash
• success
• supernova
• winner

Examples of blockbuster in a Sentence

a 900-page blockbuster of a novel

the movie is expected to be the biggest blockbuster of the summer

Recent Examples on the Web

Throughout his long career, he's also appeared in several blockbuster franchises, including The Hunger Games (2012–2015), Planet of the Apes (2017), and Venom (2018–2021). —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 14 Mar. 2025

Traditionally held at the start of the summer blockbuster season, the show launched in 1992 as the MTV Movie Awards and was rebranded to include TV categories in 2017. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025

But Flying Lotus has a secret weapon in DP Richard Bluck, a blockbuster veteran flexing his widescreen abilities here. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025

Coughlan turned up as Diplomat Barbie in Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster, recently starred alongside Lydia West in Brit series Big Mood and featured in the last Doctor Who Christmas special. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for blockbuster

• adjuster
• baluster
• combustor
• lackluster
• bluster
• buster
• cluster
• duster
• juster
• luster
• lustre
• muster

Kids Definition

blockbuster

noun

block·​bust·​er ˈbläk-ˌbəs-tər 

: one that is very large, successful, or violent

a blockbuster of a movie