bombshell

noun bomb·shell \ ˈbäm-ˌshel \

Updated on: 18 Apr 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

See bombshell defined for kids

Examples of bombshell in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of bombshell from the Web

Paul Pogba was at the center of a bombshell on Friday, when Pep Guardiola claimed his agent, Mino Raiola, had offered the French star to Man City in January.

— avi creditor, SI.com, "WATCH: Man United Puts Man City's EPL Title On Hold With Stunning Comeback," 7 Apr. 2018
Even after that bombshell report, Republican strategist and CBSN political contributor Leslie Sanchez told CBSN's Tanya Rivero that evangelicals aren't up in arms.

— peter martinez, CBS News, "Why are evangelicals sticking with Trump despite Stormy Daniels allegations?," 4 Apr. 2018
The day before the Tempe incident, the Guardian published a bombshell report about breaches of privacy at Facebook.

— rachel syme, The New Republic, "Silicon Valley Strikes Out Into New Territory," 30 Mar. 2018
Experts say this latest bombshell report will likely lead to more regulations on tech companies and how third-party companies are allowed to use their data.

— trisha thadani, San Francisco Chronicle, "What Facebook thinks it knows about you, and how it shares that data," 19 Mar. 2018
But without a bombshell revelation the story will surely fizzle.

— The Economist, "Charlemagne: Martin Selmayr," 15 Mar. 2018
In yet another bombshell, the League — whose leader once advocated segregated buses in Milan — beat its own more-moderate coalition ally, Berlusconi’s party.

— Washington Post, "Italy election results highlight struggle to govern in Europe as populist forces rise," 5 Mar. 2018
After not appearing in Yahoo Sports' first bombshell report Friday on the FBI's investigation into NCAA basketball that mentioned some of the nation's top programs, some IU basketball fans might have exhaled.

— matthew glenesk, Indianapolis Star, "Ex-IU basketball assistant Chuck Martin named in latest Yahoo story on FBI's NCAA basketball probe," 23 Feb. 2018
Here are some of the biggest bombshells from the report.

— sarah spellings, The Cut, "The Biggest Bombshells From the New Report on Donald Trump’s Alleged Affair With a Playboy Playmate," 16 Feb. 2018

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

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

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);

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

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

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up bombshell? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

bombshell

Definition of bombshell

Examples of bombshell in a Sentence

Recent Examples of bombshell from the Web

First Known Use of bombshell

bombshell Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Phrases

BOMBSHELL Defined for English Language Learners

bombshell

Definition of bombshell for English Language Learners

Learn More about bombshell

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

slew

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

‘Sleight’ or ‘Slight’ of Hand?

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Word Winder's CrossWinder

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

Trending: 'Venom' Trailer Drives Searches for 'Symbiote'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

bombshell

Definition of bombshell

Examples of bombshell in a Sentence

Recent Examples of bombshell from the Web

First Known Use of bombshell

bombshell Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Phrases

Phrases Related to BOMBSHELL

Related Phrases

BOMBSHELL Defined for English Language Learners

bombshell

Definition of bombshell for English Language Learners

Learn More about bombshell

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

Trending: 'Venom' Trailer Drives Searches for 'Symbiote'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes