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

As a new group of bombshells prepares to enter the Villa, Love Island USA is reminding viewers to keep it cool on social media. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 27 May 2026

Between a relationship scandal, a divorce bombshell and a controversial audio leak, the cast of the Bravo reality show has been mired in headlines since wrapping filming of its most recent season last August. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 May 2026

Here are all the biggest bombshells from The Crash documentary. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026

The blonde bombshell supermodel has been hosting, judging, and executive producing on the series since its inception in 2006. —Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 15 May 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