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

• 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

The image printed at the top of the column featured a blond bombshell wearing a headlight and a stethoscope. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025

The blonde bombshell wore a floral one-piece with a bow tied to the shoulder. —Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2025

The bitcoin price came within touching distance of its all-time high of $123,000 per bitcoin but has fallen back despite U.S. president Donald Trump dropping a $12.2 trillion crypto bombshell. —Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

Yasmin joined Love Island UK as a bombshell on Day 5, while Jamie entered as a Casa Amor boy on Day 29. —Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 5 Aug. 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