bombshell

noun

bomb·​shell ˈbäm-ˌshel How to pronounce bombshell (audio)
Synonyms of bombshell
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 of bombshell

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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.
Ahead, find out more about Hollywood icon, blonde bombshell and Mariska Hargitay’s mom, Jayne Mansfield. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026 The Democratic National Committee is both broke and broken, a New York Times bombshell last weekend detailed. — Philip Elliott, Time, 3 Aug. 2026 Here was a brainy, confident bombshell who couldn’t be treated like a disposable plaything — a type of actor Hollywood has lusted for since those earlier black-and-white classics but usually mishandles. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 Truman Capote, who wrote the original novella, had drawn inspiration from the blonde bombshell — something Ferrer believes may have made the role less appealing. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing bombshell

Rhymes for bombshell

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Browse Nearby Words

bomb scare
bombshell
bombsight
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Cite this Entry

“Bombshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bombshell. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bombshell

noun
bomb·​shell -ˌshel How to pronounce bombshell (audio)
1
: bomb entry 1 sense 1a
2
: a great surprise

More from Merriam-Webster on bombshell

Nglish: Translation of bombshell for Spanish Speakers

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