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.
And give winter showstoppers such as camellia a prominent place to shine. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2024 Dave Benett/Getty Images But Rihanna, obviously, is the real showstopper here. Sam Reed, Glamour, 2 Dec. 2024 The other showstopper and must-see place is the Louvre Abu Dhabi which is located very close to the Abrahamic Family House on Saadiyat Island. Shivani Vora, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 Héritage by Kei Kobayashi is the showstopper, marking its first anniversary next January. Paul Jebara, Travel + Leisure, 23 Dec. 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 5 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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