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

Kendall Jenner followed suit in 2023, emulating the blonde bombshell in her iconic 1953 Life photoshoot for Halloween. —Diana Pearl, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025

Trump’s order came just hours after Russia’s leader Vladimir Putin, visiting a military hospital in Moscow, dropped his latest nuclear bombshell. —Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025

Sparkle Megan dropped the bombshell that there is a Sparkle Baby in her life now. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025

The news comes hours after Winkleman and Tess Daly dropped a glitterball bombshell about their plans to quit Strictly Come Dancing this year. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 24 Oct. 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