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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

brainstorming

As we spend more of our working lives interacting with artificial intelligence, our chats are becoming part of our work product—a record of our research, brainstorming, problem-solving and decision-making.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 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

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

After speaker introductions, the brainstorming began to “right this ship,” as one person said, and to keep exploring ways to stop data centers.

From Salon ● Jun. 6, 2026

Because of all the great ideas she’s constantly coming up with, she’s even been asked to sit in on some brainstorming sessions with the adult researchers at the Department of Magical Science.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston

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