noun

bombshell

/ˈbɑːmbʃɛl/ · say it: BOM·shell

a shocking piece of news

In From the Front Page

In more detail

1. (noun) a piece of news or information that is shocking or surprising and has a big effect

2. (noun) a bomb; an explosive shell

3. (noun) an attractive woman

Examples

The company dropped a bombshell when they announced they were closing all their stores.
The bombshell exploded during the attack.
She was considered a bombshell in Hollywood during the 1950s.

How to use bombshell

Bombshell is most commonly used in modern English to describe shocking, surprising information with major consequences, as in 'The investigation dropped a bombshell.' It can also refer to an attractive, often glamorous woman, though this usage is dated and considered somewhat offensive. The literal meaning (an explosive shell) is now archaic except in historical contexts.

Common phrases

drop a bombshell
a real bombshell
bombshell revelation
bombshell news
bombshell announcement

Synonyms

shocker · revelation · surprise · stunner · blockbuster

Word family

bombshells (plural)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use bombshell to describe any piece of news rather than specifically surprising or shocking news with significant impact. The word implies disruption and surprise, not just any ordinary information.

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