noun

bombshell

BOM-shehl

Bombshell (noun) means a piece of news that is shocking or sensational. Example: “The resignation was a bombshell nobody saw coming.”

noun

A piece of news that is shocking or sensational.

"The resignation was a bombshell nobody saw coming."

Informal term for an especially attractive person.

"She walked in looking like a total bombshell."

How to use bombshell

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishShocking news, or slang for a strikingly attractive person.

Common pairings

drop a bombshell blonde bombshell

Word forms

bombshells plural

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The resignation was a _____ nobody saw coming.

Etymology

From bomb + shell, originally an artillery shell, later applied figuratively to shocking news.

Synonyms

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thunderbolt thunderclap

Related words

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Frequently asked questions

What does “bombshell” mean?

The word “bombshell” means a piece of news that is shocking or sensational. In plain terms, shocking news, or slang for a strikingly attractive person.

How do you pronounce “bombshell”?

“Bombshell” is pronounced BOM-shehl (/ˈbɑmʃɛl/ in IPA).

How do you use “bombshell” in a sentence?

Here is “bombshell” used in a sentence: “The resignation was a bombshell nobody saw coming.”

What part of speech is “bombshell”?

“Bombshell” is a noun.

How many meanings does “bombshell” have?

“Bombshell” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a piece of news that is shocking or sensational.

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