think tank

noun

1. a research institute or organization employed to solve complex problems or predict or plan future developments, as in military, political, or social areas.

think-tank

noun

1. informal.
   a group of specialists organized by a business enterprise, governmental body, etc, and commissioned to undertake intensive study and research into specified problems

think tank

1. An institution in which scholars pursue research in public policy. Largely funded by endowments and grants, think tanks work to improve public awareness of policy issues (through publications) and to influence the government to act upon issues of national importance. ( See power elite .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of think tank¹

1900–05 for earlier sense “brain”; 1955–60 for current sense

Idioms and Phrases

A group or organization dedicated to problem-solving and research, especially in such areas as technology, social or political strategy, and the military. For example, The congressional leaders rely too heavily on that conservative think tank . This term originated about 1900 as a facetious colloquialism for brain and was given its new meaning about 1950.

Example Sentences

“The events this year with Ukraine led to his ties with Cato being severed,” a source at the think tank told The Daily Beast.

From The Daily Beast

In this earnest effort it joins every other news outlet and think-tank.

From The Daily Beast

The illuminating think tank was just another example of how PepsiCo continues to make sure its global reach counts.

From The Daily Beast

The libertarian think tank is housed at George Mason University.

From The Daily Beast

“The mission right now is to save the Kurdish people,” Veysel Ayhan, head of the IMPR think tank in Ankara, told The Daily Beast.

From The Daily Beast

Got a old maid with her to keep her company—a chapper-own, they say—which ain't in no ways illuminatin' my think-tank none.

From Project Gutenberg

Well, just lemmee drop it into your think tank, an' lay to what I say.

From Project Gutenberg

You ought to be sent to Sulphur Springs and get your think-tank hoed out.

From Project Gutenberg

One more bubble out of the old think-tank and I'll let you off for the day.

From Project Gutenberg