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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.

See Examples For:

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

That leaves room for all sorts of brainstorming, including Aitken’s curiosity about flanking the development with high-rise residential buildings, similar to the condominiums that have risen next to Petco Park in San Diego.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 18, 2026

After speaker introductions, the brainstorming began to “right this ship,” as one person said, and to keep exploring ways to stop data centers.

From Salon Jun. 6, 2026

An hour later, Oliver had done zero brainstorming.

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

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