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

• jar
• jaw-dropper
• jolt
• stunner
• surprise
• surprize

Examples of bombshell in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

The eight-part series chronicles the aftermath of that bombshell, and explores the contradictions of being a young, modern woman in a religious culture that prizes tradition. —Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2024

Selling Sunset’s eighth season was full of bombshells, but the cast won’t be hashing out the drama in a reunion. —Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 12 Sep. 2024

Minutes after that bombshell, Biden publicly put his name and weight behind his vice president. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2024

Nicole Kidman has been out in full force at the Venice Film Festival, her blonde bombshell hair and luminous complexion firmly in situ. —Hannah Coates, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing bombshell

• blonde bombshell
• drop a bombshell

Kids Definition

bombshell

noun

bomb·​shell -ˌshel 

1

: bomb entry 1 sense 1a

2

: a great surprise