noun

humdinger

hum-DING-er/ˌhʌmˈdɪŋər/

An unusually impressive person or thing.

The prize pumpkin is a humdinger, dwarfing the ordinary pumpkins beside it.

At a produce competition, an enormous healthy pumpkin dwarfs two ordinary pumpkins on the same display.

Etymology

Its origin is uncertain, but it probably draws on dinger, slang for something superlative. That existing term of praise helps explain its use for an outstanding person, thing, or event.

More examples

Their new drummer is a humdinger.
We heard a humdinger of a story over dinner.
Her homemade pies are humdingers.

Forms

humdinger · humdingers

Similar words

standout: Emphasizes being noticeably better than others in a group.
marvel: Emphasizes the wonder or admiration someone or something inspires.