bombshell

noun

bomb·​shell ˈbäm-ˌshel How to pronounce bombshell (audio)
Synonyms of bombshellnext
1
2
a
: one that is stunning, amazing, or devastating
The book was a political bombshell.
b
: a person who is the cause and object of sensational and usually widespread attention, excitement, or attraction
a blonde bombshell [=a glamorously attractive blonde woman]

Examples of bombshell in a Sentence

discovering that I had a long-lost sister was an absolute bombshell
Recent Examples on the Web
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By the 1950s, Hollywood had repackaged them both as blond bombshells and set them against each other — Van Doren was Universal’s answer to Fox’s Monroe, measurements printed side by side in fan magazines. Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2026 The Hollywood bombshell was born and raised near Smithfield before becoming one of the biggest screen icons of the Golden Age of cinema, starring alongside names like Clark Gable and Humphrey Bogart. Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 12 June 2026 So far, there are no bombshells, based on a USA TODAY review of the documents, and early social media postings from other media and the legions of UFO-ologists out there. Josh Meyer, USA Today, 12 June 2026 After dropping this bombshell, Jo-Ellen showed Rulla a text message between Brian and the alleged woman, which Rulla didn't believe. Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bombshell

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bombshell was in 1651

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Cite this Entry

“Bombshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bombshell. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

bombshell

noun
bomb·​shell -ˌshel How to pronounce bombshell (audio)
1
2
: a great surprise

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