Langimage
English

blockbuster

|block/bust/er|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈblɑkˌbʌstər/

🇬🇧

/ˈblɒkˌbʌstə/

highly successful

Etymology
Etymology Information

'blockbuster' originates from the combination of 'block' and 'buster,' where 'block' refers to a city block and 'buster' implies something that breaks or destroys.

Historical Evolution

'blockbuster' was first used in the 1940s to describe large bombs capable of destroying city blocks, and later evolved to describe successful films or books.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a large bomb,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a successful product.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a very successful, popular, or influential movie, book, or other product.

The movie was a summer blockbuster, breaking box office records.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Noun 2

a large bomb used in World War II, capable of destroying a whole block of buildings.

The city was devastated by blockbusters during the war.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39