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

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

Just hours after dazzling in a winter white sleeveless silk Louis Vuitton gown and matching one-shoulder cape at the 2026 Golden Globes, the Devil Wears Prada star cemented herself as the boardroom’s bombshell at the 2026 National Board of Review Awards. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026

The docuseries was a bombshell for the family, leading them to share their experiences, Geragos said. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 14 Jan. 2026

And that eye could see past Dorothy’s drab uniform and Cindy Brady pigtails, her tall girl’s diffidence and her sweet girl’s shyness, to the bombshell smoldering underneath. —Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 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