Blockbuster - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

Maybe your like

SKIP TO CONTENT blockbuster /ˌblɑkˈbʌstər/ /ˈblɒkbəstə/ IPA guide

Other forms: blockbusters

A blockbuster is a Hollywood movie that's made with a large budget and big stars. A true blockbuster is extremely popular and brings in a lot of money.

Typically, a blockbuster is a fabulous summer movie that audiences line up to see the first weekend it's released. You can also call a successful play or a new, popular video game a blockbuster. Less, often, a huge bomb is a blockbuster — this is the word's original, 1940s meaning, from the fact that such a bomb could destroy an entire city block. The entertainment meaning, from the 1950s, began as theater slang.

Definitions of blockbuster

noun an unusually successful hit with widespread popularity and huge sales (especially a movie or play or recording or novel) synonyms: megahit, smash hit see moresee less type of: bang, hit, smash, smasher, strike a conspicuous success
noun a large bomb used to demolish extensive areas (as a city block) see moresee less type of: GP bomb, general-purpose bomb a large bomb (500 to 2,000 pounds that is 50% explosive) whose explosion creates a blast and whose metal casing creates some fragmentation effect

Cite this entry Style: MLA

MLA
APA
Chicago

Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘blockbuster'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing blockbuster

And the Oscar Goes to... Award-worthy Words

The Academy Awards are a spectacle of fashion, fame and — oh yeah — movies! Whether you’re writing a screenplay or a ransom note, your vocabulary can be blockbuster stuff. Here’s a list of terms you’re most likely to hear on Oscar night. And for more on Oscar Night words, read the full article here on our blog: We'd Like to Thank the Academy...

Academy Awards, List 4

The Academy Awards have been presented every year since 1929. Although some changes have occurred since then – the venue and award categories – the art deco Oscar statue has remained virtually the same. Celebrate this collection of essential terms necessary for any viewer to enjoy the famous ceremony. Here are links to our lists in the collection: List 1, List 2, List 3, List 4, List 5, List 6

This Week in Words: Current Event Vocabulary for November 4–November 10, 2023

Stories about hallucinating chatbots, a Taylor Swift blockbuster, and a desert oasis all contributed words to this list of vocabulary from the week's news.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS 2 million people are mastering new words. Master a word

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.

Get started Learn with us

Learner subscriptions
Vocabulary lists
Dictionary
Test Prep
Join a Vocabulary Jam
Commonly confused words
Word of the day

Teach with us

For educators
For schools and districts
How it works
Success stories
Research
Professional development
Contact sales

Resources

Help articles/FAQ
Teaching resources
Learner resources
ESL/ELL resources
Grade level resources
IPA Pronunciation
Contact support

Leaderboards

Vocabulary Bowl
Today's leaders
Weekly leaders
Monthly leaders

About

Our Mission
Blog
Tell us what you think
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

My Account Log in Sign up

Log Out
My Learning
My Proficiency Report
My Profile
Schools & Teachers
My Classes
Assignments & Activities
My Lists
- Find a List to Learn...
- Create a New List...
My Progress
- Words I'm Learning
- My Trouble Words
- Words I've Mastered
- My Achievements
User Administration
User Authentication
My Account