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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.

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

ChatGPT helps with brainstorming, script-writing and generating technical suggestions for camera angles and edits.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 28, 2026

Before you start brainstorming your menu, determine your budget.

From Salon • Jun. 21, 2026

Finally, there are things that don’t require AI at all, like challenging your assumptions or brainstorming with colleagues.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

Hyacinth was making Operation Beiderman buttons for the kids to wear for their brainstorming sessions.

From "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser

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