showstopper

noun

show·​stop·​per ˈshō-ˌstä-pər How to pronounce showstopper (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of showstopper in a Sentence

at the modeling agency everyone was a showstopper
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The long list of video tributes to Wenders included clips from Martin Scorsese, Willem Dafoe, Nick Cave and, in a showstopper, Japanese actor Kôji Yakusho, star of Wenders’ Perfect Days, who appeared in character from the film, scrubbing a Toyko public toilet. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Dec. 2024 After buying a pass and taking a shuttle from Aspen Highlands, Berman said this memorable hike will have showstopper colors at this time of year. Mindy Sink, The Denver Post, 26 Nov. 2024 Its high-shine finish catches every twinkle of light, making your tree an instant showstopper. Jessica Copeland, Rolling Stone, 26 Nov. 2024 The real showstopper, however, is the roof terrace, which comes complete with a pool to cool off in the dog days of summer, and offers views that stretch all the way to St. Peter’s—expect Rome’s next-gen cool crowd to gravitate here once the warmer days of spring roll around in 2024. Liam Hess, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for showstopper 

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of showstopper was in 1916

Dictionary Entries Near showstopper

Cite this Entry

“Showstopper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showstopper. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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