bombshell
Americannoun
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a bomb.
-
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
-
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.
They survived a delayed start because of South African wildfires and an invasion from American bombshells, but the latest Love Island: All Stars winners have been revealed.
From BBC
The hearing produced no major bombshells or confirmation of alien life.
From BBC
I try to wrap my head around this bombshell.
From Literature
Three weeks before the Olympics, the pair were preparing to compete in the European Championships when Papadakis released a bombshell book.
From Barron's
At City Hall, Raman’s entrance into the mayor’s race is a bombshell, particularly given her relationship with Bass.
From Los Angeles Times
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.
