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 big interview: Stars of Light Shop and its creator talked about one of Disney+’s first Korean tentpoles of the year. 🖊️ Agencies: Magnolia signed Harriet Herbig-Matten, star of Prime Video’s record breaking YA series Maxton Hall – The World Between Us. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2024 Paramount’s even bigger-budget tentpole looks to add $33 million from North American cinemas over the traditional weekend (declining 44% from its $55.5 million debut) and $45 million between Wednesday and Sunday. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 27 Nov. 2024 The crew of the tentpole next door have stolen the swordfish, too. Jack King, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2024 Langley is also a driving force the Thanksgiving tentpole Wicked, the first of two movies that bring the hit Broadway musical to the big screen. Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near tentpole

Cite this Entry

“Tentpole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tentpole. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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