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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gabrielle Union’s bombshell style at the NAACP Image Awards is a gorgeous example, as is Tinashe’s slightly sleeker version at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Sophia Panych, Allure, 27 Mar. 2025 The bombshell decision arrives after Lawson's lackluster performance during the first two Grands Prix of the 2025 season. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025 Jeffrey Goldberg, The Atlantic’s editor in chief, had withheld some of the contents of the thread in his bombshell report Monday revealing that he had been looped in on plans to carry out attacks on Houthi targets in Yemen. Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2025 The two must find a way to work together, even as the bombshell details of a complicated and illicit romance between them begin to spill out. Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bombshell

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bombshell was in 1708

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Cite this Entry

“Bombshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bombshell. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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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