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.

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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

In experiments involving brainstorming, participants predicted that their best ideas would come early and that additional effort would yield diminishing returns.

From The Wall Street Journal

She now uses the tech for brainstorming, she said, though she believes it’s not all it’s hyped out to be.

From The Wall Street Journal

Molly had been brainstorming potential content on an off day at the concession stand.

From Literature

“Thank you all for sharing. Now, I’d like to start brainstorming some ideas for how we can begin to repair the harm that you all just described. Gabe, would you like to start?”

From Literature

We thought it would be productive to ask the workers themselves—in this case Wall Street Journal readers—for a little brainstorming to see what their employers could be doing better.

From The Wall Street Journal