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

• 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

The royal titles and positions of the former couple's daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, meanwhile, will not be affected by the latest bombshell. —Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025

The star at the center of Molina’s universe is Ingrid Luna, a Rita Hayworth-type bombshell whose ice blonde tresses cannot gloss over her Latin flair. —Blythe Marks, Them., 17 Oct. 2025

Her sleek black blowout was wrapped up in XL hair rollers, before her big bombshell reveal on the catwalk. —Essence, 16 Oct. 2025

Bella was a bombshell in blonde, closing out the show with white angel wings to match the ones Gigi wore earlier in the show. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1708, 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