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.
So-called activist short sellers showed a way to profit from stock selloffs they precipitated with the public release of bombshell reports, as in the case of Nikola.
She’s not even technically part of the main cast, but Adriana de Moura knows eclipsing a bombshell revelation is a surefire way to keep a firm grip on her “friend of” title.
From Los Angeles Times
Her determination to find out more about her mother and the truth behind Mansfield’s image as a blond bombshell is detailed in “My Mom Jayne,” one of the most surprising and compelling documentaries of 2025.
From Los Angeles Times
Cricket Australia's own website called the decision a "bombshell".
From BBC
O'Neill's bombshell arrival hauled Celtic out of one hole.
From BBC
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.
