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.
Equally, Pattinson’s ability to jump seamlessly between offbeat indies and hundred-million-dollar tentpoles is a skill the modern Academy tends to value. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2026 The Marvel-Sony tentpole is projected to make $22 million over the four-day Labor Day weekend, pushing its domestic total to $922 million. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026 But that was a different time, and that tentpole was backed by a mega marketing budget. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026 But fans will recognize the major tentpoles of this parody musical. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for tentpole

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Browse Nearby Words

tent pegging
tentpole
tent shell
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tentpole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tentpole. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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