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

Taleno, who migrated with his family to Hialeah at age 3, did indeed first get to know the Colombian bombshell back in her soap opera and TV hosting days. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 11 Aug. 2026

Ahead, find out more about Hollywood icon, blonde bombshell and Mariska Hargitay’s mom, Jayne Mansfield. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026

The Democratic National Committee is both broke and broken, a New York Times bombshell last weekend detailed. — Philip Elliott, Time, 3 Aug. 2026

Here was a brainy, confident bombshell who couldn’t be treated like a disposable plaything — a type of actor Hollywood has lusted for since those earlier black-and-white classics but usually mishandles. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 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