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 • Feb. 16, 2026

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

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

We thought it would be productive to ask the workers themselves—in this case Wall Street Journal readers—for a little brainstorming to see what their employers could be doing better.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 5, 2026

Teachers use it to organize lesson plans and grade papers, and students use it to do things like research and brainstorming.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2025

“Thank you all for sharing. Now, I’d like to start brainstorming some ideas for how we can begin to repair the harm that you all just described. Gabe, would you like to start?”

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz