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

• jar
• jaw-dropper
• jolt
• stunner
• surprise
• surprize

Examples of bombshell in a Sentence

discovering that I had a long-lost sister was an absolute bombshell

Recent Examples on the Web

The film marked a triumphant critical breakthrough for Anderson, who rose to stardom as a bombshell blonde lifeguard in the ’90s series Baywatch but had long been excluded from awards conversations. —Luke Chinman, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025

Bitcoin and crypto prices have swung wildly this week as traders brace for U.S. president Donald Trump to drop a bitcoin price bombshell. —Billy Bambrough, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Markle and Prince Harry threw themselves into work and landed a bombshell Netflix contract months after establishing Montecito as their home in 2020. —Lauryn Overhultz, Fox News, 19 Jan. 2025

Only 24 hours before the online bombshell, the former NCAA basketball player and influencer were apparently on vacation in the United Kingdom. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing bombshell

• drop a bombshell

Kids Definition

bombshell

noun

bomb·​shell -ˌshel 

1

: bomb entry 1 sense 1a

2

: a great surprise