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 National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the organization for regulators from every U.S. state, in 2024 published a bombshell study revealing that the ratings on insurers’ private-credit investments were routinely inflated.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026
In his bombshell speech at the Munich Security Conference in 2025, Vance criticised this law.
From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026
Three weeks before the Olympics, the pair were preparing to compete in the European Championships when Papadakis released a bombshell book.
From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026
At City Hall, Raman’s entrance into the mayor’s race is a bombshell, particularly given her relationship with Bass.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 2026
Oh, what kind of bombshell is about to burst now?
From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank
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.
