bombshell
noun
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Definition of bombshell
1 : bomb sense 1a
2a : one that is stunning, amazing, or devastating The book was a political bombshell.
b : a person who is the cause and object of sensational and usually widespread attention, excitement, or attraction a blonde bombshell [=a glamorously attractive blonde woman]
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Synonyms for bombshell
Synonyms
jar, jaw-dropper, jolt, stunner, surprise (also surprize)
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Examples of bombshell in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As the eyes of the wide world of soccer remained squarely on the 2018 FIFA World Cup, a certain Portuguese superstar dropped a bombshell that forced everyone to look towards Italy. — Juan Pimiento, chicagotribune.com, "Ronaldo's shock transfer, the World Cup semis and the best of the week in soccer," 12 July 2018 Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo dropped a bombshell after his Champions League final 3–1 win against Liverpool on Saturday. — Charlotte Carroll, SI.com, "Cristiano Ronaldo Sparks Transfer Rumors Saying 'It Was Nice to Be at Real Madrid'," 26 May 2018 Rudy Giuliani went to the friendly confines of Fox News and Sean Hannity's show and dropped a bombshell. — Doug Criss, CNN, "5 things for May 3: White House, North Korea, abortion, Pope Francis, Starbucks," 3 May 2018 Fifth Harmony dropped the bombshell news today that Camila Cabello has quit the band. — Noelle Devoe, Seventeen, "Watch Fifth Harmony's Final Performance Before Camila Quit the Band," 19 Dec. 2016 The Facebook reveal is just the latest bombshell in a business that’s in the midst of more drama than a bad online date. — Leigh Gallagher, Fortune, "Match Is the Sweetheart of Online Dating—But Can It Fend Off Facebook and Bumble?," 27 June 2018 The report by the Justice Department’s inspector general is the latest bombshell in the seemingly never-ending fight over the 2016 election. — Abby Vesoulis, Time, "The Inspector General's Report Criticizes James Comey. Here's What You Need to Know," 14 June 2018 There's no bombshell, but the records -- released to Congress, then leaked -- make for some interesting reading. — Doug Criss, CNN, "5 things for April 20: Comey memos, North Korea, Arizona teachers, YouTube, Berlin," 20 Apr. 2018 The latest bombshell allegation in the ongoing defamation case between Kesha (born Kesha Sebert) and estranged producer/label head Dr. Luke (born Lukasz Gottwald) has roped in two more major pop stars: Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, "Kesha Accused Dr. Luke of Raping Katy Perry in Text Message to Lady Gaga, Which Producer Calls 'Baseless & Irresponsible'," 13 June 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bombshell.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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From the Editors at Merriam-Webster
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Statistics for bombshell
Last Updated
2 Oct 2018
Look-up Popularity
Time Traveler for bombshell
The first known use of bombshell was in 1708
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More Definitions for bombshell
bombshell
noun
English Language Learners Definition of bombshell
: something that is very surprising or shocking
: a very attractive woman
See the full definition for bombshell in the English Language Learners Dictionary
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