bombshell
Americannoun
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a bomb.
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something or someone having a sudden and sensational effect.
The news of his resignation was a bombshell.
noun
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(esp formerly) a bomb or artillery shell
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a shocking or unwelcome surprise
the news of his death was a bombshell
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informal an attractive girl or woman (esp in the phrase blonde bombshell )
Etymology
Origin of bombshell
1700–10; 1925–30 bombshell for def. 2; bomb + shell
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The judge’s bombshell allegations Tuesday are set to overshadow what would otherwise have been a sweet time in Jonathan’s personal life.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026
The prosecution dropped the potential bombshell: that Hipolito signed a stipulation saying he knew Crook was a federal officer or employee.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
And when the next bombshell research report drops, ask yourself: Do I own the companies in the obituary section or the companies writing the eulogy?
From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026
The news also dropped like a bombshell in the Senegalese capital, Dakar - but for the opposite reason.
From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026
Then my mother dropped the bombshell: She was expecting another baby—a girl—the day before my birthday.
From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
