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.
Prophecy dropped a few bombshells — including the mysterious and powerful Desmond Hart’s origins. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 15 Dec. 2024 Now, watch Brooke Shields style her classic bombshell hair: Shop all of our latest obsessions in one place! Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024 The pardon was a political bombshell that Republicans have used to further President-elect Donald Trump's claims that the Justice Department has been weaponized against him and that the Biden family has been crooked for years. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024 Maya Jama Maya Jama was a bombshell in a custom green satin Conner Ives dress, which was embroidered with floral motifs. Violet Goldstone, WWD, 2 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near bombshell

Cite this Entry

“Bombshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bombshell. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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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