Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for brainstorming. Search instead for brainstormings.
Synonyms

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.

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

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

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

“Poko has already been brainstorming his ideas,” said Jasmine.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2026

After two weeks of brainstorming, we still couldn’t come up with the perfect thing for Dad.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "brainstorming" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com