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

But in her color-appropriate bombshell dress, Blake Lively more than dressed the part. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 3 May 2024

Holding this bombshell as a secret creates a bond with Susan and distance from your wife. —Amy Dickinson, The Mercury News, 2 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing bombshell

• blonde bombshell
• drop a bombshell

Kids Definition

bombshell

noun

bomb·​shell -ˌshel 

1

: bomb entry 1 sense 1a

2

: a great surprise