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

Hays died from cancer at the age of 44 in 2005, just one year after covering Stewart’s bombshell trial.

From Salon

He described the changes to inheritance tax rules as a "massive bombshell" that would affect "thousands" of farming families.

From BBC

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

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

Tuesday in a bombshell New York Times interview, John Kelly, the Trump White House’s longest-serving chief of staff, said that he believes the former president meets the definition of a fascist.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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