bombshell

[ bom-shel ]

noun

1. a bomb.
2. something or someone having a sudden and sensational effect:

   The news of his resignation was a bombshell.

bombshell

/ ˈbɒmˌʃɛl /

noun

1. (esp formerly) a bomb or artillery shell
2. a shocking or unwelcome surprise

   the news of his death was a bombshell

3. informal.
   an attractive girl or woman (esp in the phrase blonde bombshell )

Word History and Origins

Origin of bombshell¹

1700–10; 1925–30 bombshell fordef 2; bomb + shell

Idioms and Phrases

see drop a bombshell .

Example Sentences

Daily Mail in July published photos of the “Wolf of Wall Street” and “Bombshell” actor wearing a midriff top that exposed her baby bump as she and Ackerley boarded a boat in Lake Como, Italy.

From Los Angeles Times

Since last November, the LAist reporter has dropped bombshell after bombshell about Andrew Do, a longtime politician who most recently served as an Orange County supervisor.

From Los Angeles Times

Gerda followed days later with another bombshell: The supervisor’s testimony in a civil lawsuit had led to a mistrial because he failed to disclose that his wife, Cheri Pham, was an assistant presiding judge in the same courthouse.

From Los Angeles Times

It begins with Stewart’s upbringing in a working-class family, later delving into her less-than-picture-perfect marriage, her success as a businesswoman and her bombshell involvement in the ImClone stock trading scandal.

From Salon

A bombshell recording has thrown L.A. politics into chaos.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• awe
• bump
• collapse
• confusion
• consternation
• disturbance
• earthquake
• excitement
• impact
• injury
• jolt
• scare
• trauma