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brainstorming

American  
[breyn-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.


brainstorming British  
/ ˈbreɪnˌstɔːmɪŋ /

noun

  1. intensive discussion to solve problems or generate ideas

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of brainstorming

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Brainstorming a rescue plan, they recalled the colonnades in the disparate cities of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Moline, Illinois.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 16, 2023

Brainstorming sessions and previs mock-ups carved paths for the settings, but it was an early note from producer Kevin Feige that helped them to fine tune the concept.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 6, 2022

Brainstorming began, and the EW staff felt pressured to come up with the perfect idea.

From Washington Post • Feb. 24, 2022

Brainstorming participants tend to resist throwing out risky or novel ideas because they’re worried about what others will think, Dr. Carton says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 20, 2016

There are discussions about any conceivable topic, from How to start your own company, Brainstorming, Architectural design, The Future of Education and Investments, to AIDS, The Baltic States, Psychology, and Cartoons.

From The Online World by De Presno, Odd

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