tentpole

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a pole that supports a tent

   A rope was tied firmly around the tentpole.

2. 2
   noun

   a major film, program, or product expected to provide strong commercial support for a company or season

   The studio hopes the summer tentpole will fund several smaller films.

3. 3
   adj

   describing a major commercial production or product intended to support other offerings

   The company delayed its tentpole release until December.

A compound of tent and pole. Its figurative entertainment-industry sense compares a major production that supports a studio's finances or schedule to the central pole that holds up a large tent.

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