bombshell

noun

bomb·​shell ˈbäm-ˌshel How to pronounce bombshell (audio)
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.
Lake hyped the release of the file as a looming bombshell, even though Kate Gallego had long ago endorsed him for the Senate. Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024 After an Episode 5 bombshell that Penn herself ordered the attack on a British ship that killed service members, Kate (Keri Russell) is ready to throw her to the wolves — or, at least, the Secretary of State. Erin Strecker, IndieWire, 1 Nov. 2024 Kendall Jenner followed suit in 2023, emulating the blonde bombshell in her iconic 1953 Life photoshoot for Halloween. 02 of 39 Christina Aguilera as Cher In 2023, Christina Aguilera paid homage to Cher by dressing as her Burlesque (2010) costar's character, Tess Scali. Diana Pearl, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024 Bitcoin and crypto prices have surged over the last week, helped by growing expectations of a huge China stimulus bombshell. Billy Bambrough, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bombshell 

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bombshell was in 1708

Dictionary Entries Near bombshell

Cite this Entry

“Bombshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bombshell. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

bombshell

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

More from Merriam-Webster on bombshell

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!