brainstorm

[breyn-stawrm]

noun

1. 1. a sudden impulse, idea, etc..

      Her most recent brainstorm of teaching her dog to surf wasn’t met with much enthusiasm from the dog.

   2. Chiefly British Informal.,  a fit of mental confusion or excitement.

2. a session of brainstorming.

adjective

1. of or relating to brainstorming.

verb (used without object)

1. to conduct or practice brainstorming, 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.

verb (used with object)

1. to generate (ideas, solutions, questions, etc.) through brainstorming.

brainstorm

/ ˈbreɪnˌstɔːm /

noun

1. a severe outburst of excitement, often as the result of a transitory disturbance of cerebral activity

2. informal,  a sudden mental aberration

3. informal,  another word for brainwave

Other Word Forms

• brainstormer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of brainstorm¹

First recorded in 1890–95; brain + storm; originally a manifestation of a serious psychiatric disorder

Example Sentences

For Wright, that’s part of the appeal of being an executive producer — she could brainstorm all the unhinged things that could happen between the characters.

From Los Angeles Times

She’s still brainstorming ways on how to improve Palace and expand the collection.

From Los Angeles Times

Thus, the Dodgers staff brainstormed ways to get their message across, and have the steadfast Kershaw to buy-in to their suggested changes.

From Los Angeles Times

The company has encouraged creators and filmmakers to use Google’s AI tools to help with brainstorming and creating videos, which could make them faster and more efficient.

From Los Angeles Times

For those who are interested, the collection looks like a preppy, a jock and a member of the “Duck Dynasty” cast got together and brainstormed.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deliberate