SHOW-STOPPER

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does show-stopper mean? 

• SHOW-STOPPER (noun)
  The noun SHOW-STOPPER has 2 senses:

1. an act so striking or impressive that the show must be delayed until the audience quiets down

2. something that is strikingly attractive or has great popular appeal

  Familiarity information: SHOW-STOPPER used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SHOW-STOPPER (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

An act so striking or impressive that the show must be delayed until the audience quiets down

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Synonyms:

show-stopper; showstopper; stopper

Hypernyms ("show-stopper" is a kind of...):

act; bit; number; routine; turn (a short performance that is part of a longer program)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Something that is strikingly attractive or has great popular appeal

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Synonyms:

show-stopper; showstopper

Context example:

the brilliant orange flowers against the green foliage were a showstopper

Hypernyms ("show-stopper" is a kind of...):

attraction; attractiveness (the quality of arousing interest; being attractive or something that attracts)