Bombshell
/ˈbɒmʃɛl/
nounIntermediateCommonGeneral
Meanings
Questions
Definitions
2 meanings1
A sudden and unexpected piece of news that causes great surprise or shock.
/ˈbɒmʃɛl/
nounnegativeIntermediate
General
A surprising and shocking revelation.
The news report was a bombshell.
💡 Simply: A surprising and shocking piece of news.
More Examples
2
His resignation came as a complete bombshell.
How It's Used
News Reporting
"The politician's affair was a bombshell that rocked the election."
Personal Relationships
"Her sudden breakup announcement was a bombshell to her friends."
2
A very attractive and striking woman.
/ˈbɒmʃɛl/
nounpositiveIntermediate
General
An extremely attractive woman.
She walked into the room like a bombshell.
💡 Simply: A very beautiful woman.
How It's Used
Informal Conversation
"She's a real bombshell!"
Tip:Think of a bomb's explosive beauty.
From "bomb" + "shell", referring to the explosive impact of a sudden revelation.
The word's usage as a stunning revelation became prominent in the mid-20th century.
Memory tip
Imagine a bomb exploding—that's the impact of a bombshell.
Practice
bomshellbombshel
Usage
30%Spoken
70%Written