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

Leave it to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to casually drop a policy bombshell in a press conference. — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

From affairs and addiction to behind-the-scenes feuds and Hollywood bombshells, these stars told all for our reading pleasure. — Ew Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 6 July 2026

Read our show coverage here, including our finale interview with Natalie Alyn Lind on Oreana’s bombshells. — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026

The filings note that the former Love Island UK bombshell had an altercation with the two victims that Mazzer stabbed. — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 3 July 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