blockbuster
/ˈblɑkˌbʌs.tɚ/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.48 in modern English
21
Scrabble Score
11
Letters
3
Syllables
10
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A high-explosive bomb used for the purposes of demolishing extensive areas, such as a city block.
noun
Something, such as a film or book, that sustains exceptional and widespread popularity and achieves enormous sales, as opposed to a box office bomb.
Informal
noun
Something, especially an event or a film, book or other creative work, that is intended to achieve high sales (perhaps indicated by large budgets or high advertising spending) or that is conceived on a large or epic scale
Informal
noun
A large firework of the firecracker type; an M-80.
noun
One who engages in blockbusting (technique encouraging people to sell property).
American usage
Example Sentences
- "He was watching the blockbuster film series Harry Potter."
- ""General William Booth Enters into Heaven" is lusty, a blockbuster conception."
- "The report noted that 'an increasing public appetite for large "blockbuster" musicals is a firmly established feature of London’s West End theatre scene'."
- "“How nice," she responded to his invitation, “but I've got a blockbuster of a headache. I'm paying for last night. Call me tomorrow, will you?""
- "Many—such as plants' relationships with mycorrhizal fungi—have been blockbuster moments in the history of life, with world-changing consequences."
- "In the mid-2021 economy, employers are offering higher pay to attract scarce workers; airports and car lots are bustling; and a G.D.P. report due out next week will probably show blockbuster growth."
Etymology
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈblɑkˌbʌs.tɚ/
- British English: /ˈblɒkˌbʌs.tə(ɹ)/