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

The bombshell news that Netflix is in exclusive talks to buy Warner Bros Discovery is shaking the global film and TV industries. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2025

Francis has collaborated with every blond bombshell under the sun, from Pamela Anderson to Glenn Close. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 2 Dec. 2025

The clip finds Aguilera singing the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic from The Sound of Music while sporting a blonde bombshell look accented by black sheer gloves and a sparkling white bustier festooned with ribbons of pearls. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 25 Nov. 2025

The bombshells continued after hours at BravoCon 2025. —Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 17 Nov. 2025

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