# bombshell

/ˈbɑmˌʃɛɫ/ (US) · /bˈɒmʃɛl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bombshell
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a piece of news that is very surprising or shocking. It is usually something unexpected that changes a situation completely.

For teachers: a sudden and highly impactful piece of news or a surprising revelation. Often used to describe information that disrupts a current state of affairs or public perception.

## Examples

- The manager dropped a bombshell by quitting during the meeting.
- The journalist's report was a political bombshell that led to several high-level resignations within the week.
- The CEO's sudden announcement of a merger acted as a corporate bombshell, sending the company's stock price into a volatile swing as investors scrambled to assess the implications.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with the verb 'to drop' ('to drop a bombshell').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.