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

First came a blockbuster trade for Garrett Crochet (perhaps the best starter on the trade market), then a one-year deal with Walker Buehler (an upside play at the back of the rotation). —Chad Jennings, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025

Cyberpunk 2077, The Sims 4, Warframe 1999, Farming Simulator 22, Dead by Daylight, and Dead Island 2 round out the charts alongside indie hit Satisfactory and Chinese blockbuster Black Myth Wukong. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025

Another blockbuster comedy starring Farley, Beverly Hills Ninja, followed in 1997. —John Russell, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025

With the Warriors acquiring Jimmy Butler in a blockbuster trade, the focus is on making a playoff push. —Andy Scholes, CNN, 15 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

blockbuster

noun

block·​bust·​er ˈbläk-ˌbəs-tər 

: one that is very large, successful, or violent

a blockbuster of a movie