bombshell: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Informal to neutral in news/media contexts; dated/informal for 'attractive woman' sense.
Quick answer
What does “bombshell” mean?
A startling or shocking piece of news, revelation, or event that has a powerful impact.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A startling or shocking piece of news, revelation, or event that has a powerful impact.
A very attractive woman (informal, dated usage). An explosive device such as a bomb.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term similarly in news contexts. The 'attractive woman' sense was more common in mid-20th century American English.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with shocking revelations in journalism/politics.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK media/political discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “bombshell” in a Sentence
[Subject] dropped a bombshellThe bombshell that [clause]A bombshell from [source]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bombshell” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The minister bombshelled the conference with her resignation.
American English
- The CEO bombshelled investors with the bankruptcy news.
adjective
British English
- It was a bombshell moment in British political history.
American English
- The newspaper published a bombshell investigation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for unexpected financial results, merger announcements, or CEO resignations.
Academic
Rare; possibly in historical/political analysis of significant revelations.
Everyday
For surprising personal news (e.g., relationship changes, job losses).
Technical
Not used in technical fields outside metaphorical extensions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bombshell”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bombshell”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bombshell”
- Using it as a verb (*'He bombshelled the news'). Using for positive surprises (usually negative/neutral shock).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. It typically implies shocking or disruptive news, often with negative consequences, though it can be neutral.
It's dated and often considered objectifying. Modern usage focuses almost exclusively on shocking news/events.
'Bombshell' emphasizes the shocking impact and surprise; 'revelation' focuses on the act of revealing previously hidden information.
Yes, e.g., 'The company dropped a bombshell with its merger announcement.'
A startling or shocking piece of news, revelation, or event that has a powerful impact.
Bombshell is usually informal to neutral in news/media contexts; dated/informal for 'attractive woman' sense. in register.
Bombshell: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒm.ʃel/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːm.ʃel/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “drop a bombshell”
- “a bombshell witness”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a bomb (bomb) with a shell (shell) – when it explodes, it creates shocking news.
Conceptual Metaphor
NEWS IS AN EXPLOSION / REVELATION IS A SUDDEN IMPACT
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bombshell' LEAST appropriate?