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bomba

BO-mbah (stress on the first syllable)/ˈbom.ba/

bomb

Also: shell, grenade
NounfA2
A classic round black bomb with a burning fuse, ready to explode.

📝 In Action

La policía encontró una bomba escondida debajo del coche.

A2

The police found a bomb hidden under the car.

Desactivaron la bomba justo antes de que explotara.

B1

They deactivated the bomb just before it exploded.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • bomba atómica – atomic bomb
  • desactivar una bomba – to defuse a bomb

pump

Also: syphon
NounfB1
A metallic hand pump used to draw water, with water flowing into a wooden bucket.

📝 In Action

Necesitas una bomba de aire para inflar la rueda pinchada.

B1

You need an air pump to inflate the punctured tire.

El motor no arranca porque la bomba de gasolina está rota.

B2

The engine won't start because the fuel pump is broken.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • bomba de agua – water pump
  • bomba de succión – suction pump

bombshell

Also: shocker, scoop
NounfB2informal
A cartoon character reacting with extreme shock, indicated by wide eyes and an open mouth, dropping a rolled scroll onto the floor.

📝 In Action

La renuncia del jefe fue una bomba en la oficina.

B2

The boss's resignation was a bombshell in the office.

El periódico anunció la noticia bomba en la portada.

C1

The newspaper announced the sensational news (the bombshell) on the front page.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • noticia bomba – shocking news

Idioms & Expressions

  • soltar una bomba – to drop a bombshell (to reveal startling news)

a blast

Also: amazing
NounfC1slang
SpainPuerto Rico
Colorful confetti falling over dancing people at a vibrant party under string lights.

📝 In Action

¡Esa canción es una bomba! No puedo dejar de bailarla.

C1

That song is amazing (a blast)! I can't stop dancing to it.

La fiesta de cumpleaños fue una bomba, había mucha gente y música genial.

C1

The birthday party was a blast; there were lots of people and great music.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • éxito (success)
  • fiestón (great party)

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: bomba

Question 1 of 2

Which English translation is correct for the sentence: 'El descubrimiento fue una bomba en la comunidad científica.'

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
bombardear(to bombard) — Verb
bombardeo(bombing (noun)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

This word comes from the Latin *bombus*, which was an imitative word meant to sound like a low, hollow buzzing or booming noise. Over time, it became associated with loud, impactful things, leading to its meanings for explosive devices and mechanical pumps.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: bombaFrench: bombe

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'bomba' mean both 'bomb' and 'pump'?

This is a great example of how words evolve! Both bombs and early pumps involved a sudden, forceful release of energy or liquid. The shared idea of 'forceful impact' or 'a burst' allowed the word to describe two very different objects that share a similar functional idea.

Is 'bomba' always feminine?

Yes, 'bomba' is a feminine noun, so it always requires feminine articles (la bomba, una bomba) and feminine adjectives (una bomba poderosa—a powerful bomb/pump).