Blockbuster Meaning
/ˈblɒkˌbʌs.tə(ɹ)/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA high-explosive bomb used for the purposes of demolishing extensive areas, such as a city block.
nounSomething, such as a film or book, that sustains exceptional and widespread popularity and achieves enormous sales, as opposed to a box office bomb.
Sentence Examples
Govind's company creates computer-generated imagery for blockbuster films.
Sony Pictures has shared a new video clip from its upcoming blockbuster.
A multimedia blitz of advertisements for the summer blockbuster has begun.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The new superhero movie became a huge ____, earning over a billion dollars.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The latest superhero movie was a huge ____ at the cinema tonight.
Word Origin & History
From block + buster, referring originally to aerial bombs capable of destroying a whole block of buildings.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
""General William Booth Enters into Heaven" is lusty, a blockbuster conception."
— 1961, “Ives”, in Twentieth Century Music In The Western Hemisphere, J. B. Lippincott, page 146:
"The report noted that 'an increasing public appetite for large "blockbuster" musicals is a firmly established feature of London’s West End theatre scene'."
— 1994, “Drama”, in Whitaker's Almanack, 1994, page 1135:
"“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?""
— 1998, Yves Beauchemin, The Second Fiddle, page 383:
"Many—such as plants' relationships with mycorrhizal fungi—have been blockbuster moments in the history of life, with world-changing consequences."
— 2020, Merlin Sheldrake, Entangled Life, page 211:
"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."
— 2021 July 21, Neil Irwin, “Is the U.S. Economy Too Hot or Too Cold? Yes.”, in The New York Times, →ISSN, archived from the original on 23 Jul 2021:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The new superhero movie became a huge ____, earning over a billion dollars.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The latest superhero movie was a huge ____ at the cinema tonight.