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.
He has faced some fierce detractors within Zanu-PF, but his main critic - Blessed Geza, also known as "Bombshell" - died last week.
From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026
World War II veterans “are dying out very quickly,” said Bonnie Navarro, founder of the Bombshell Betty’s nonprofit, which organized the event.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2021
Last year he played Rupert Murdoch in the #MeToo drama Bombshell.
From The Guardian • Jul. 17, 2020
But maybe voters will honor Robbie's performance in "Bombshell" and thereby send a veiled message to Hollywood.
From Salon • Feb. 4, 2020
In this bombardment the gunboat Bombshell, which had been sent to the assistance of the fort, was so crippled that she sank immediately upon reaching the wharf.
From In and Out of Rebel Prisons by Lieut. A.
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.
