gangbuster

noun

gang·​bust·​er ˈgaŋ-ˌbə-stər How to pronounce gangbuster (audio)
: one engaged in the aggressive breakup of organized criminal gangs
Phrases
like gangbusters
: with great or excessive force or aggressiveness
came on like gangbusters
also : with great speed or success
was selling like gangbusters

Examples of gangbuster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The renewable-energy side hasn’t been going gangbusters as of late. Jon Chesto, BostonGlobe.com, 11 June 2023 Slower hiring could suggest that the job market is moving toward a more sustainable balance after two years of gangbusters gains that followed the economy's explosive rebound from the 2020 pandemic recession. Christopher Rugaber, BostonGlobe.com, 2 June 2023 The gangbusters report comes as other retailers have reported a pullback in consumer spending this season: Some of the largest stores are warning of trouble ahead, American bank accounts are dwindling and debt is growing. Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 25 May 2023 Things were going gangbusters for the Roseanne reboot, with critical acclaim and high ratings in the midst of the streaming revolution. Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 18 May 2023 See all Example Sentences for gangbuster 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gangbuster.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gangbuster was in 1930

Dictionary Entries Near gangbuster

Cite this Entry

“Gangbuster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gangbuster. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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