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 of bombshell

• surprise
• shock
• jolt
• revelation

Examples of bombshell in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

But online, this particular bombshell—that ANTM hindered rather than helped burgeoning supermodels—proves especially surprising to viewers. —Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026

Vance’s attack landed like a bombshell in Europe. —Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 15 Feb. 2026

Contacted by Deadline, reps for Wasserman, who has been in Italy for the Olympic Winter Games, had no comment on Roan’s bombshell. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 9 Feb. 2026

The fashion show showed consumers, investors, the fashion industry, and the press the core of her new strategy: Embrace Victoria’s Secret’s bombshell heritage, but ditch the pressure to be perfect. —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1651, 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