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Definition of showstopping

showstopping

/ˈʃoʊˌstɑːpɪŋ/
show · stop · ping
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showstopping Lexical Profile

showstopping Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Provoking such great admiration, applause, or excitement that it interrupts a performance or commands complete attention; remarkably impressive or spectacular.

Example

"The soprano delivered a showstopping aria in the second act that brought the entire audience to its feet."

2

So severe or critical that it halts progress, operations, or a planned release (especially of a technical defect or business obstacle).

Example

"The quality assurance team discovered a showstopping bug in the payment module just hours before the scheduled product launch."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

showrooming
showrunner
showstopper
showstopping
showtime
showtune
showup

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in early 20th-century theatrical slang to describe a musical number or performance that received such prolonged applause from the audience that the show had to be temporarily halted.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Showstopping. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/showstopping
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