blockbuster
BLOK-bus-ter
/ˈblɒkbʌstər/
A thing of great power or size, in particular a film, book, or other product that is a great commercial success.
It emphasizes massive commercial success, often implying high production values, widespread marketing, and broad appeal.
The story behind the word. The word 'blockbuster' originated during World War II, referring to a bomb powerful enough to destroy an entire city block. This literal, destructive power was then metaphorically applied to anything that had an overwhelmingly powerful impact. By the late 1940s and 1950s, it began to be used in the entertainment industry to describe a film or play that was an enormous, 'block-busting' commercial success, drawing huge crowds and breaking records.
Word relationships
- hit: A thing that is very successful or popular.
- smash (informal): A great success, especially a theatrical or cinematic one.
- megahit: An extremely successful hit.
- flop: A complete failure.
- bomb (informal): A complete failure.
Commonly confused with
- cult classic: A 'blockbuster' is a massive commercial success; a 'cult classic' is a film or work that achieves popularity over time among a small, dedicated group, often after initial commercial failure.
Collocations
- summer blockbuster
- Hollywood blockbuster
- box office blockbuster
- potential blockbuster
Example sentences
- "The new superhero movie was a summer blockbuster, breaking box office records worldwide." Describing a highly successful summer movie.
- "Her latest novel became an instant blockbuster, selling millions of copies in its first month." Referring to a commercially successful novel.
Memory hook
Imagine a movie so big it 'BLOCKS' out all other competition and 'BUSTS' box office records. Huge Success
When not to use
Don't use it for something that is critically acclaimed but not commercially successful, or for a small-scale production.
Fun facts
- The first film widely considered a 'blockbuster' in the modern sense was Steven Spielberg's 'Jaws' (1975), which pioneered the summer blockbuster release strategy.
- The term is now applied beyond films to books, video games, and even art exhibitions.
- The original 'blockbuster bomb' was a real and terrifying weapon used in WWII.
Related words
Also appears in
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