blockbuster

[ blok-buhs-ter ]

noun

1. an aerial bomb containing high explosives and weighing from four to eight tons, used as a large-scale demolition bomb.
2. a motion picture, novel, etc., especially one lavishly produced, that has or is expected to have wide popular appeal or financial success.
3. something or someone that is forcefully or overwhelmingly impressive, effective, or influential:

   The campaign was a blockbuster.

4. a real-estate speculator who practices blockbusting.

blockbuster

/ ˈblɒkˌbʌstə /

noun

1. a large bomb used to demolish extensive areas or strengthened targets
2. a very successful, effective, or forceful person, thing, etc
3. a lavish film, show, novel, etc, that proves to be an outstanding popular success

Word History and Origins

Origin of blockbuster¹

First recorded in 1940–45; block + buster

Example Sentences

The “Glory” and “Training Day” star said that director Ryan Coogler — who helmed and co-wrote the 2018 Marvel blockbuster and its 2022 sequel, “Wakanda Forever” — is writing Washington a bespoke part in a potential third installment.

From Los Angeles Times

"But it is still the year’s most relentlessly entertaining blockbuster."

From BBC

"The best of the film is its sheer bloody-minded heft, a blockbuster fuelled by an insistence on bigger, sillier, movie-r," Danny Leigh wrote, giving the film three stars.

From BBC

Here’s how ‘Minari’ director Lee Isaac Chung made the action scene of the summer in the new tornado blockbuster ‘Twisters,’ starring Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones.

From Los Angeles Times

News of the eyebrow-raising mistake came a day after Erivo, Grande and Jennifer Lopez, as well as Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, who starred in the original Broadway blockbuster, appeared at the movie’s premiere at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

From Los Angeles Times