bombshell

noun

bomb·​shell ˈbäm-ˌshel How to pronounce bombshell (audio)
1
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]

Examples of bombshell in a Sentence

discovering that I had a long-lost sister was an absolute bombshell
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Listen to this article 5 min Justin Baldoni’s lawyers have made new bombshell claims in their case against Blake Lively. Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2025 Cassie initially filed her bombshell lawsuit against Combs in November 2023, describing her brief relationship with Cudi and referencing the incident with the corkscrew. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 14 May 2025 Joining Combs at the health food cafe is longtime collaborator Stevie J (real name Steven Jordan), who was named in Jones’ bombshell lawsuit. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025 The federal investigations, as well as dozens of subsequent civil cases, followed the bombshell lawsuit filed in late 2023 by Cassie. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for bombshell

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bombshell was in 1708

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Cite this Entry

“Bombshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bombshell. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

bombshell

noun
bomb·​shell -ˌshel How to pronounce bombshell (audio)
1
2
: a great surprise

More from Merriam-Webster on bombshell

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