Bestseller Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bestseller

[ˈbɛs(t)ˌsɛlər ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

book sales

A bestseller is a book that sells in very large numbers, often immediately after it is published. It is a book that is extremely popular and has a high level of sales.

Synonyms

blockbuster, chart-topper, hit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bestseller	This word is most commonly used in the context of books or products that have sold an exceptionally high number of copies. It is often used when referring to books that appear on bestseller lists. Her novel became a bestseller within a month of its release. The new smartphone model was a bestseller this holiday season.
blockbuster	Typically used in the context of movies or events that achieve massive commercial success and popularity. It often implies a large budget production. The summer blockbuster attracted millions of viewers to the theaters. His latest film was a blockbuster hit, breaking box office records.
hit	This term can be used broadly in various contexts such as music, movies, TV shows, and other entertainment forms to describe something that has gained significant popularity and success. The TV show was an instant hit with viewers of all ages. Her new song became a hit on all the major streaming platforms.
chart-topper	Frequently used in the music industry to describe songs or albums that reach the top positions on music charts. Their new single became a chart-topper within days of its release. The album was a chart-topper for several weeks straight.

Examples of usage

The novel became a bestseller within weeks of its release.
The author's latest work is expected to be a bestseller.
The bestseller list is dominated by mystery novels this month.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Many classic novels, such as 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and '1984,' have been recognized as bestsellers long after their initial publication.
The New York Times publishes a bestseller list, which has become a coveted recognition for authors and publishers.
Genres like thriller and romance often dominate bestseller lists, showcasing reader preferences and trends.

Pop Culture

Movies and television series have been adapted from bestselling books, creating a cycle of popularity between media forms.
Social media has transformed how readers discover bestsellers, with influencers often playing a crucial role in promoting certain titles.
Events like 'BookTok' on TikTok have propelled lesser-known books to bestseller status overnight.

Economics

The sale of bestsellers can significantly boost publishing industry revenue, influencing which books are promoted and published.
Bestsellers often have marketing budgets that are much larger than that of typical books, increasing their visibility.
A book becoming a bestseller can create a ripple effect, encouraging further investments in similar genres or authors.

Psychology

Readers are often drawn to bestsellers due to a phenomenon known as social proof, where people trust popular choices.
The fear of missing out (FOMO) drives many to buy a book labeled as a bestseller, believing it's a must-read.
Best-selling titles often tap into universal themes that resonate with a broad audience, contributing to their widespread appeal.

Origin of 'bestseller'

Main points about word origin

The term 'bestseller' dates back to the early 20th century, first appearing in print around 1919.
The word combines 'best,' meaning excellent, and 'seller,' referring to something that sells well.
Originally, it referred primarily to books but now encompasses various products that achieve high sales.

The term 'bestseller' originated in the early 20th century and was initially used to describe books that were the best selling in a particular category or time period. Over time, the term has come to represent books that sell exceptionally well, often due to widespread popularity or critical acclaim. Bestsellers can encompass a wide range of genres and topics, from fiction to non-fiction, and are often a reflection of current trends and interests in society.