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bombshell

noun bomb·shell \ ˈbäm-ˌshel \
|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Definition of bombshell

1 : bomb 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]

See bombshell defined for English-language learners

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Examples of bombshell in a Sentence

  1. discovering that I had a long-lost sister was an absolute bombshell

Recent Examples of bombshell from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bombshell.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of bombshell

1708

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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bombshell Synonyms

Synonyms

jar, jaw-dropper, jolt, stunner, surprise (also surprize);

Related Words

shock, thunderclap;

eye-opener, revelation, shocker;

amazement, marvel, wonder;

Phrases

bolt from the blue (also bolt out of the blue);

Phrases Related to BOMBSHELL

Related Phrases

BOMBSHELL Defined for English Language Learners

bombshell

noun

Definition of bombshell for English Language Learners

  • : something that is very surprising or shocking

  • : a very attractive woman

Learn More about bombshell

  1. See words that rhyme with bombshell Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bombshell Spanish Central: Translation of bombshell Nglish: Translation of bombshell for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of bombshell for Arabic speakers

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