Blockbusters

/ˈblɑkˌbʌstərz/ noun

Definition

Huge, hugely successful movies, books, or other entertainment products that are extremely popular and make a lot of money.

Etymology

From 'block' (city block) and 'buster' (something that breaks or destroys). Originally a WWII bomb so powerful it could destroy an entire city block; repurposed in 1940s for films that attracted massive audiences.

Kelly Says

The term 'blockbuster' literally comes from bombs that could destroy city blocks in World War II—calling a movie a blockbuster meant it was so popular it could 'destroy' the competition at the box office.

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