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.
Despite that, amidst all the chaotic tonal wobbles, jumpy pacing, and big ideas that lead nowhere, Chappie — maybe subconsciously — finds a voice for itself that's sincere and refreshingly human for a studio tentpole attempting to make big statements. Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 28 Mar. 2025 The release date is seen as providing counter-programming on a schedule for that month that includes such male-skewing tentpole fare as The Mandalorian & Grogu and Avengers: Doomsday. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Mar. 2025 Well, whether the musical film is deemed a success or a flop will rely entirely on the tentpole’s staying power. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 23 Mar. 2025 Thus, the offseason had less structure than in past years, instead leaving teams to make their moves outside of tentpole events. Emily Olsen and More, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tentpole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tentpole. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!