show-stopper

or show·stop·per

[ shoh-stop-er ]

noun

1. Theater. a performer, performance, or musical number that wins enthusiastic or prolonged applause:

   The singer proves that she is simply a show-stopper after her resoundingly successful debut.

2. a spectacularly arresting or appealing person or thing:

   This bright plaid suit is a real show-stopper.

3. a significant obstacle or problem, especially one halting a process already underway:

   The bug was a show-stopper, delaying the game's release by months.

show stopper

noun

1. informal.
   a stage act, etc, that receives so much applause as to interrupt the performance

Other Words From

• show-stop·ping show·stop·ping adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of show-stopper¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The “Damaged” and “Show Stopper” singer came up through MTV and Combs’ reality competition series “Making the Band 3” in 2005.

From Los Angeles Times

Show Stopper: Sometimes the best way is to use all the ways.

From Washington Post

“It had been a show stopper in these negotiations that had been going on for many years,” Ms. Yellen said.

From New York Times

Jalen Green has always been the jaw dropper, the show stopper, an extreme competitor looking to win every drill and impose his will with a breathtaking dunk.

From Washington Post

Upbeat earnings news is helpful, “But the cherry on top has to be the positive virus vaccine update as optimism on the vaccine is more than a show stopper. Its the ultimate recession stopper,” Stephen Innes of AxiCorp said in a commentary.

From Washington Times