Word
blockbuster
Phoneticsblock·buster
US/ˈbɫɑkˌbəstɝ/
UK/blˈɒkbʌstɐ/
Definitions
01successful film or book
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal
n. a film or book that is extremely popular and makes a lot of money.
n. a creative work, especially a film or novel, that achieves exceptional commercial success and widespread popularity.
“The new superhero movie is expected to be a summer blockbuster.”
“Studios often rely on a single summer blockbuster to offset the financial risks of their smaller, more experimental projects.”
Synonyms
02large-scale production
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal
n. a production made with a very large budget and lots of advertising.
n. a production, typically in entertainment, conceived on an epic scale with a high budget and extensive marketing.
“The museum is hosting a blockbuster exhibition of ancient gold.”
“The gallery's blockbuster retrospective required years of international negotiation to secure the necessary loans from private collectors.”
Synonyms
03powerful bomb
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical · Archaic
n. a very large bomb used to destroy a whole street or area.
n. a high-explosive aerial bomb capable of devastating a large urban area, such as a city block.
“The museum displayed the casing of a massive blockbuster from the war.”
“During the strategic bombing campaigns, the deployment of blockbusters was intended to maximize structural damage across dense industrial zones.”
Real-World Examples
“In their 2021 blockbuster interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan described the freedom to make her own choices as "liberating".” “The earliest surviving fragments of the epic poem—the subject of Christopher Nolan's latest Hollywood blockbuster—date back more than 2,000 years.” “But The Meg, a summer sharkfest blockbuster set to premiere on August 10, might have you believe otherwise.” “The year prior, a blockbuster Simon and Garfunkel tour ended in bickering.” Etymology
From block + buster, referring originally to aerial bombs capable of destroying a whole block of buildings.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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