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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of blockbuster

First recorded in 1940–45; block + buster

Example Sentences

Lilly, by contrast, is flush with cash from its blockbuster obesity and diabetes drugs and is choosing to stay focused on small deals.

From The Wall Street Journal

OpenAI completed the largest funding round in Silicon Valley history, raising $122 billion ahead of a blockbuster IPO expected by the end of the year.

From The Wall Street Journal

The “this” in question is the Market Integration and Supervision Package the commission published in December, a blockbuster recommending no less than 17 pieces of legislation.

From Barron's

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

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