bombshell
Americannoun
-
a bomb.
-
something or someone having a sudden and sensational effect.
The news of his resignation was a bombshell.
noun
-
(esp formerly) a bomb or artillery shell
-
a shocking or unwelcome surprise
the news of his death was a bombshell
-
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
They will have to wait longer after Amazon.com dropped a bombshell on the industry.
From Barron's • May 7, 2026
After the Instagram bombshell, fans believe David Beckham broke his silence while speaking about the power of social media during an interview in January on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 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
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.
