brainstorming

American  

[brayn-stawr-ming] / ˈbreɪnˌstɔr mɪŋ /

noun

1. a technique for generating ideas and solving specific problems with uncensored and nonlinear thinking, usually performed through group participation in a spontaneous discussion where all ideas are noted without assigning them value, and no proposal is selected or discarded until after the conclusion of the creative exercise.

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brainstorming British  

/ ˈbreɪnˌstɔːmɪŋ /

noun

1. intensive discussion to solve problems or generate ideas

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Etymology

Origin of brainstorming

First recorded in 1955–60; brainstorm + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

brainstorming

Seventy-five percent of all respondents said AI is acceptable for brainstorming or making early versions of ads, but just 38% approved of using AI to simulate people or human voices in ads.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2026

“The kids who belong to the temple, had a brainstorming session, and they put all their ideas on the table,” Yellin said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 31, 2026

The answer: bring the second cast member — the theater audience — into the brainstorming session to help them understand and connect more deeply to the very human situation the main character finds himself in.

From Salon ● Jul. 30, 2026

It was during a brainstorming session with children from two local schools that the Eastenders icon's name was brought up alongside miners and local rugby players.

From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2026

These houses are garage-sized small, but they can still have a kitchen and a bathroom and a secret cranny for brainstorming ideas.

From "The House That Lou Built" by Mae Respicio