bombshell

noun

bomb·​shell ˈbäm-ˌshel How to pronounce bombshell (audio)
Synonyms of bombshellnext
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.
Denim brand Seafarer, another Bardot favorite, used archival photos of the blonde bombshell to promote its revival in 2013. Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 28 Dec. 2025 Charly Hel-Getty Images Career as a bombshell Born in 1934, Brigitte Bardot was the eldest daughter of a wealthy Parisian family. Veronique Greenwood, Time, 28 Dec. 2025 Season 7 ended in January 2025 with the bombshell that the deceased Jane's (Silvia Presente) younger sister Fanny (Florrie Wilkinson) may actually be Jamie and Claire's daughter, Faith, whom the couple believed to have died shortly after birth in Paris. Jillian Sederholm, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Dec. 2025 The Quicksilver author enjoys reads with shocking bombshells, which should surprise no one who's read her own books. Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 23 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bombshell

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bombshell was in 1651

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Cite this Entry

“Bombshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bombshell. Accessed 31 Dec. 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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