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

His venture into cycling came at a friend's suggestion during a brainstorming session to tap into the US market.

From Barron's

Billed as a "strategic brainstorming," Thursday's talks were not expected to produce immediate action.

From Barron's

After two weeks of brainstorming, we still couldn’t come up with the perfect thing for Dad.

From Literature

"No names yet but we are brainstorming," he said.

From BBC

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