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

Montgomery was part of the original 12 Islanders, and her removal meant that Gabriel Vasconcelos was rerouted from the OG cast to the first bombshell of the season. —Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 4 June 2026

Gabriel Vasconcelos, a model from Miami, was instead introduced as the first male bombshell of the season alongside female bombshell Kayda Bosse at the end of the first episode. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 4 June 2026

Gabriel Vasconcelos, who was revealed to be an OG Islander, was then presented as a bombshell to shake things up after the initial couples were set. —Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 4 June 2026

Peacock announced last week that Montgomery was among the bombshells entering the villa in Fiji for the latest season. —Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 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