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

One of these bombshells is Cal State Fullerton alum Jose Garcia Gonzalez, known to viewers by his nickname, Pepe. —Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 18 June 2025

The next morning, Jeremiah headed out on a beach date with Iris and the other bombshells. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

Charlie Georgiou, a 27-year-old from Birmingham, United Kingdom, entered as a bombshell with Cierra Ortega on Day 2 of Love Island USA Season 7. —Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 17 June 2025

The couple’s relationship was tested once two new bombshells, Cierra Ortega and Charlie Georgiou, arrived on the island. —Giana Levy, Variety, 12 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1708, 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