tentpole
noun
tent·pole
ˈtent-ˌpōl 
: 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
Any superhero tentpole can start strong; this one needs momentum to qualify as a hit for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
—
Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 30 July 2025
Ford also played Sabich in the 1990 movie, which grossed $221 million-plus worldwide, a late summer tentpole at the time.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 29 July 2025
Chinese director Guan Hu’s WWII tentpole Dongji Rescue, a sweeping historical action drama based on the true story of the sinking of the Lisbon Maru — one of the deadliest maritime disasters of the Pacific Theater — is heading to European cinemas.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2025
In the third season of MLS’ $2.5 billion Apple tie-up, the league has launched a new Sunday Night Soccer tentpole, increased MLS Season Pass access on Android devices and introduced various distribution agreements with Comcast, DirecTV and T-Mobile.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for tentpole
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Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 30 July 2025
Ford also played Sabich in the 1990 movie, which grossed $221 million-plus worldwide, a late summer tentpole at the time.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 29 July 2025
Chinese director Guan Hu’s WWII tentpole Dongji Rescue, a sweeping historical action drama based on the true story of the sinking of the Lisbon Maru — one of the deadliest maritime disasters of the Pacific Theater — is heading to European cinemas.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2025
In the third season of MLS’ $2.5 billion Apple tie-up, the league has launched a new Sunday Night Soccer tentpole, increased MLS Season Pass access on Android devices and introduced various distribution agreements with Comcast, DirecTV and T-Mobile.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for tentpole
Cite this Entry
“Tentpole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tentpole. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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