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

It’s where I spend the most time, too, brainstorming stretch meals and challenging myself to piece together a culinary puzzle of shelf-stable ingredients and other embellishments.

From Salon • Jun. 13, 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

"When a human has an agent of their own, a company has a super employee," he said of brainstorming and delegating tasks to Trinity AI agents conversationally while commuting.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

More than 800 million people use ChatGPT weekly for writing, brainstorming, coding and other tasks.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

Our classroom is brainstorming ideas for a community service project.

From "Fish in a Tree" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt