tentpole

noun

tent·​pole ˈtent-ˌpōl How to pronounce tentpole (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The dinosaur tentpole has now amassed $62.8 million after 12 days on release. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 July 2025 Proceeds from the cash infusion aim to help Kaleidoscope develop new tentpole shows as originals and mine its IP library for film and TV adaptations with Hollywood producers. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025 He’s also helmed the tentpoles Black Adam and Jungle Cruise, among other projects. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 July 2025 The initiative will come to life with six dedicated magazine issues, tentpole ForbesLive events, six signature editorial list launches that include the 250 people who are representative of each ideal, an advisory board and more. Forbes Staff, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for tentpole

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tentpole was in 1987

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tentpole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tentpole. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!