brainstorming

[breyn-stawr-ming]

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noun

a conference technique of solving specific problems, amassing information, stimulating creative thinking, developing new ideas, etc., by unrestrained and spontaneous participation in discussion.

Origin of brainstorming

First recorded in 1955–60; brainstorm + -ing¹

brainstorm

[breyn-stawrm]

noun

a sudden impulse, idea, etc.
a fit of mental confusion or excitement.

brainstorming.

adjective

of or relating to brainstorming.

verb (used without object)

to conduct or practice brainstorming.

verb (used with object)

to subject (a problem) to brainstorming.

Origin of brainstorm

1890–95; brain + storm; originally a severe mental disturbance

Related formsbrain·storm·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for brainstorming

deliberate, ponder, conceive, create, invent, think, plan, analyze, conceptualize

Examples from the Web for brainstorming

Contemporary Examples of brainstorming

Rodenhouse typed “sensor-embedded nails” into a shared document while they were brainstorming.
Nail Polish Is the Next Wearable Tech
Elizabeth Lopatto
June 4, 2014
There are the Hooli brainstorming sessions conducted atop a seven-person conference bike (a la Google).
Mike Judge’s Genius Satire ‘Silicon Valley’ Skewers Tech Titans
Andrew Romano
April 3, 2014
And they were responsive, and that only bolstered my brainstorming sessions, so the next time I came in with more ideas.
Interview: Kristen Bell, Voiceover Queen, On ‘Frozen,’ ‘Veronica Mars,’ & More
Andrew Romano
December 18, 2013
Brainstorming, developing, and commercializing new ideas is vital for the American economy, and for our society at large.
Is America Out of Ideas?
Daniel Gross
August 27, 2013
While brainstorming, they realized each had spent a good chunk of time photographing and videoing street artists.
So You Think You Can Busk: a Road Trip Search for the Best European Street Artists
Nina Strochlic
June 7, 2013

Historical Examples of brainstorming

Officially, this was a “brainstorming session,” but everyone knew that it was all about getting the nod from Sammy.
Makers
Cory Doctorow

British Dictionary definitions for brainstorming

brainstorming

noun

intensive discussion to solve problems or generate ideas

brainstorm

noun

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

British informal a sudden mental aberration

informal another word for brainwave

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

Word Origin and History for brainstorming

brainstorm

"brilliant idea, mental excitement, fit of mental application," 1849, from brain (n.) + figurative use of storm (n.). As a verb, recorded from 1920s. Related: Brainstormed; brainstorming.