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

Contacted by Deadline, reps for Wasserman, who has been in Italy for the Olympic Winter Games, had no comment on Roan’s bombshell. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 9 Feb. 2026

In photos shared by The Daily Mail, Kardashian brought the cinematic intrigue of a French screen siren back home with her, draping a black bombshell scarf around her long black hair and accessorizing with a pair of oversized black sunglasses. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 4 Feb. 2026

The character was seen as a blonde bombshell who is devoted to exercise and her appearance. —Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 2026

The evidence of his accusation is wrapped up in a bombshell of its own. —Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Jan. 2026

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