showstopper
noun
show·stop·per
ˈshō-ˌstä-pər 
1
: an act, song, or performer that wins applause so prolonged as to interrupt a performance
2
: something or someone exceptionally arresting or attractive
the gold crown was the showstopper of the exhibition
3
: one that stops or could stop the progress, operation, or functioning of something
Examples of showstopper in a Sentence
at the modeling agency everyone was a showstopper
Recent Examples on the Web
There was far less of Bollywood at the gala than usual — although taking center stage was Kareena Kapoor Khan, who represented Lakme for years and also served as the grand finale showstopper for many shows during past fashion weeks.
—
Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2025
This showstopper is made with buttermilk, flaked coconut, and a nutty cream cheese frosting.
—Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2025
To circumvent this potential Mars landing showstopper, Zubrin says, SpaceX could instead dispatch a flotilla led by one colossal Starship accompanied by a retinue of smaller Starboats.
—Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
These are professionals at work here, and yet the staging of virtually every kinetic showstopper feels haphazard at best.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for showstopper
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Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2025
This showstopper is made with buttermilk, flaked coconut, and a nutty cream cheese frosting.
—Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2025
To circumvent this potential Mars landing showstopper, Zubrin says, SpaceX could instead dispatch a flotilla led by one colossal Starship accompanied by a retinue of smaller Starboats.
—Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
These are professionals at work here, and yet the staging of virtually every kinetic showstopper feels haphazard at best.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for showstopper
Cite this Entry
“Showstopper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showstopper. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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