tentpole
noun
tent·pole
ˈtent-ˌpōl 
: a big-budget movie whose earnings are expected to compensate the studio for its less profitable movies
Examples of tentpole in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In between these tentpoles are a slew of low-and-mid budget films across genres like horror, drama, comedy and sports.
—
Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 27 May 2025
Will both big-budget tentpoles fare better in winter cloaks?
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 25 May 2025
Recognizing that the shift to sustainability will depend not only on high-tech solutions and tentpole projects, the Newsweek Japan SDGs Awards (aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals) were launched in 2023, aiming to shine a light on Japanese companies working in this space.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Going forward, Starz is keeping its longtime focus on adult programming for women and underrepresented audiences as exemplified by the network’s tentpoles, the Outlander and Power franchises.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tentpole
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Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 27 May 2025
Will both big-budget tentpoles fare better in winter cloaks?
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 25 May 2025
Recognizing that the shift to sustainability will depend not only on high-tech solutions and tentpole projects, the Newsweek Japan SDGs Awards (aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals) were launched in 2023, aiming to shine a light on Japanese companies working in this space.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Going forward, Starz is keeping its longtime focus on adult programming for women and underrepresented audiences as exemplified by the network’s tentpoles, the Outlander and Power franchises.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tentpole
Cite this Entry
“Tentpole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tentpole. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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