blockbuster

American  

[blok-buhs-ter] / ˈblɒkˌbʌs tər /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of blockbuster

First recorded in 1940–45; block + buster

Example Sentences

Novo already sells an oral version of its blockbuster weight-loss drug, Wegovy, but it must be taken on an empty stomach with no more than four ounces of water.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

SpaceX seems to be getting a step closer to a blockbuster initial public offering.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Stock-market volatility has largely upended what was supposed to be a blockbuster year for initial public offerings, but Plaid’s finance chief says her company can afford to wait for the right moment to go public.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Tolkan was also well known for drilling Maverick and Goose with swift reprimands and tough love between puffs of his cigar as their commanding officer, Tom “Stinger” Jardian, in the 1986 blockbuster “Top Gun.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

“Yes, it’s a blockbuster, coming to a theater near you, called Deal with Your Own Crap.”

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali