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

Oh my gosh, another bombshell just exploded. —Meg Walters, InStyle, 4 Jan. 2026

The real bombshell could be housed in the evidence room of the Metro Nashville Police Department. —Keith Sharon, Nashville Tennessean, 31 Dec. 2025

The Gucci bombshell boot is now available for $2,300 on the brand’s website. —Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 30 Dec. 2025

Charly Hel-Getty Images Career as a bombshell Born in 1934, Brigitte Bardot was the eldest daughter of a wealthy Parisian family. —Veronique Greenwood, Time, 28 Dec. 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