bombshell

noun

bomb·​shell ˈbäm-ˌshel 

1

: bomb sense 1a

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]

Synonyms

• jar
• jaw-dropper
• jolt
• stunner
• surprise
• surprize

Examples of bombshell in a Sentence

discovering that I had a long-lost sister was an absolute bombshell

Recent Examples on the Web

Her publication had previously broken a bombshell story about the Department of Defense communicating sensitive military information on the commercially available Signal app. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 30 Apr. 2025

Phil delivered another bombshell at the pit stop of The Amazing Race‘s ninth leg: The last place team in Wednesday’s episode would not be eliminated! —Nick Caruso, TVLine, 30 Apr. 2025

Here are a few of the biggest bombshells from Brinkley's memoir. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025

The first week in the trial of the Massachusetts’ woman accused of murdering her boyfriend has been fraught with tears but experts say expect bombshells down the road. —Michael Loria, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing bombshell

• drop a bombshell

Rhymes for bombshell

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel
• dispel

Kids Definition

bombshell

noun

bomb·​shell -ˌshel 

1

: bomb entry 1 sense 1a

2

: a great surprise