Best Seller: Definition, Examples, and Synonyms

Meaning 1：bestseller (Best Seller)

Best Seller 🔊

/ˌbestˈselər/

A product, especially a book, that sells in very large numbers because many people buy it.

bestseller 🔊

➕

/ˌbestˈselər/

A product, especially a book, that sells in very large numbers due to widespread popularity.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Combination of 'best' (most excellent) and 'seller' (one that sells), denoting a top-selling product.

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'Best' + 'Seller' = the item that sells best of all. Picture a book with a crown on top.

📖 Example

My friend recommended the new novel by that author, and it's no surprise it became a best seller within a week. 🔊 My friend recommended the new novel by that author, and it's no surprise it became a best seller within a week.

🔗 Collocations

become a best seller – achieve high sales and widespread popularity

best seller list – a ranking of the most popular products, especially books

instant best seller – a product that sells very quickly upon release

🔄 Synonyms

hit (n.) – A very popular and successful product, such as a movie or book.

blockbuster (n.) – An extremely successful and popular product, usually a movie or book.

top-seller (n.) – A product that sells more than others in its category.

🚫 Antonyms

flop (n.) – A product that fails to sell or achieve popularity.

dud (n.) – A disappointing product that performs poorly in sales.

🌱 Derivatives

bestselling (adj.) – Very popular and selling in large numbers (e.g., bestselling author).

bestsellerdom (n.) – The state or condition of being a best seller.

📖 Cultural Story

The term 'bestseller' emerged in late 19th-century American publishing to rank the most popular books. It now signifies commercial success across products.