million-dollar

UK: ˈmɪljən ˈdɒlə | US: ˈmɪljən ˈdɑːlər

Definition

  1. adj. extremely valuable or highly profitable

  2. adj. used to describe something exceptional or outstanding

Structure
million <large number>dollar <currency unit>
Etymology

The term "million-dollar" combines "million," derived from Old French million (itself from Italian milione, meaning "a great thousand"), and "dollar," from German Taler (short for Joachimstaler, a coin minted in Joachimstal, Bohemia). The phrase emerged in the early 20th century as a hyperbolic expression to denote immense value or excellence, often used metaphorically (e.g., "a million-dollar smile").

Examples

  1. She landed a million-dollar deal with the tech giant.

  2. His million-dollar idea revolutionized the industry.

  3. The actor flashed his million-dollar grin at the cameras.

  4. The startup secured million-dollar funding in its first year.

  5. That vintage car is a million-dollar collector’s item.