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 Though they got engaged on the season finale — and remained together throughout reunion taping — a bombshell edit at the end of the final episode informed viewers that Rae and Lexi had called off their nuptials. Charlotte Walsh, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2024 Earlier this week, Gomez's bestie Nicola Peltz Beckham shared multiple photos of Gomez's bombshell look, complete with another little red dress and big red fur coat (somebody please do a wellness check on Clifford). Glamour, 14 Mar. 2024 Sporting blonde bombshell hair and a sleek black bodysuit, Cardi sat on stage next to Madonna, 65, as the pair danced and handed out scores to the Queen of Pop's dancers — including her daughter, Estere, 11, who received a perfect 10. Jack Irvin, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 The side bang revival has already been co-signed by Kelly Rowland, who wore voluminous bombshell side bangs with a glamorous curly bob, and Kirsten Dunst, who went for a wispier, more twee take complete with a black bow detail. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 13 Mar. 2024 Actor talks final bombshell and a possible season 3. Clark Collis, EW.com, 29 Feb. 2024 Anna Nicole Smith died 17 years ago this month, but the fascination with the blond bombshell continues unabated. Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 23 Feb. 2024 On Sunday, the British monarch was seen in his first public appearance since the bombshell announcement, attending church alongside his wife Queen Camilla in eastern England. Alexandra Banner, CNN, 12 Feb. 2024 The commission’s bombshell findings — including claims of underworld infiltration into unions — gave Mr. Mulroney his first taste of the national political spotlight. Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bombshell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

bombshell

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

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