showstopper

noun

show·​stop·​per ˈshō-ˌstä-pər 

1

: an act, song, or performer that wins applause so prolonged as to interrupt a performance

2

: something or someone exceptionally arresting or attractive

the gold crown was the showstopper of the exhibition

3

: one that stops or could stop the progress, operation, or functioning of something

showstopping

ˈshō-ˌstä-piŋ 

adjective

Synonyms

• babe [slang]
• cutie
• cutey
• dish
• doll
• dreamboat [slang]
• fox
• glamour-puss
• hottie
• knockout
• looker
• ten

Examples of showstopper in a Sentence

at the modeling agency everyone was a showstopper

Recent Examples on the Web

Catherine Zeta-Jones, 'Chicago' (2003) Zellweger may be the lead, but from the opening number, Zeta-Jones is the real showstopper of this criminally great musical. —Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025

But the more seasoned pros get two of the biggest showstoppers. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2025

Check out even more showstoppers from Amazon’s fashion hub below. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025

Today’s political heavy hitters are just as likely to twirl tagliatelle at Officina or spoon paella at Spanish showstopper Del Mar in the trendy Wharf district. —Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for showstopper

• eavesdropper
• grasshopper
• improper
• leafhopper
• sharecropper
• chopper
• copper
• cropper
• dropper
• pauper
• popper
• proper