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

After Kev drops that bombshell on Harry, the two laugh over the fact that that's far from the worst thing Conrad has ever done. —Matt Cabral, EW.com, 20 Apr. 2025

Prince Andrew stepped back from his public duties in 2019 following his bombshell interview with the BBC about his ties to Epstein. —Stephanie Petit, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025

In November 2023, Combs' ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura filed — and quickly settled — a lawsuit with bombshell assault and abuse allegations against the Bad Boy Records founder. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025

These concerns eventually led to a bombshell 2022 lawsuit against the momager. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 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