bombshell

noun

bomb·​shell ˈbäm-ˌshel How to pronounce bombshell (audio)
1
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]

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 report goes against Gates’ history of public nonpartisanship. Derek Saul, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 Two months after the open letter, Depardieu came under further public scrutiny following the broadcast of a bombshell edition of investigative show Complément d’Enquête, which probed these historic accusations as well as other acts of inappropriate behavior. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2024 But is the Kelly bombshell—and maybe more late-breaking good news for her campaign—too little, too late to save the VP? Shawn Tully, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024 Celebrity News Mike Jeffries was the subject of a bombshell BBC report and documentary. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bombshell 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bombshell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bombshell was in 1708

Dictionary Entries Near bombshell

Cite this Entry

“Bombshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bombshell. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

bombshell

noun
bomb·​shell -ˌshel How to pronounce bombshell (audio)
1
2
: a great surprise

More from Merriam-Webster on bombshell

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