gangbuster

noun

gang·​bust·​er ˈgaŋ-ˌbə-stər How to pronounce gangbuster (audio)
Synonyms of gangbusternext
: one engaged in the aggressive breakup of organized criminal gangs
see also:
like gangbusters

Examples of gangbuster 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.
Cutesy toys are going gangbusters among Japanese adults. — J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 28 May 2026 Development in the two cities is going gangbusters. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026 The film played like gangbusters in Directors’ Fortnight. — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 22 May 2026 The sport was invented for kids in 1965, but came on gangbusters recently as old farts got excited and then young farts and middle-age farts joined in. — Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gangbuster

Word History

Etymology

gang entry 1 + bust entry 2 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gangbuster was in 1930

Rhymes for gangbuster

See All Rhymes for gangbuster

Browse Nearby Words

gangboard
gangbuster
gangbusters
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gangbuster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gangbuster. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on gangbuster

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for gangbuster

Nglish: Translation of gangbuster for Spanish Speakers

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