How to pronounce blockbuster
Say it like BLOK-buhs-ter. Blockbuster has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BLOK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce blockbuster. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BLOK
- buhs
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Blockbuster pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BLOKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- buhsGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of blockbuster
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: BLOK-buhs-tuh.
What does blockbuster mean?
- A high-explosive bomb used for the purposes of demolishing extensive areas, such as a city block.
- Something, such as a film or book, that sustains exceptional and widespread popularity and achieves enormous sales, as opposed to a box office bomb.“He was watching the blockbuster film series Harry Potter.”
- Something, especially an event or a film, book or other creative work, that is intended to achieve high sales (perhaps indicated by large budgets or high advertising spending) or that is conceived on a large or epic scale
Where does blockbuster come from?
From block + buster, referring originally to aerial bombs capable of destroying a whole block of buildings.
Questions about saying blockbuster
How do you pronounce blockbuster?
Say BLOK-buhs-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈblɑkˌbʌstɚ/. In British English it is /ˈblɒkˌbʌstə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in blockbuster?
Blockbuster has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BLOK). Broken into parts: BLOK · buhs · ter.
Is blockbuster pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈblɒkˌbʌstə/ (BLOK-buhs-tuh).