brainstorming

American  

[brayn-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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

brainstorming

On that slow, gray afternoon, she was brainstorming for her long-anticipated comeback to the biweekly municipal gathering.

From Slate ● Oct. 28, 2026

After brainstorming suitable targets with Claude, the team settled on designing a synthetic protein that could serve as an antidote to scorpion venom.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 20, 2026

Half of all pastors say they use AI for brainstorming or idea generation, according to the Barna Group, a firm that studies U.S. faith trends.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 19, 2026

Before you start brainstorming your menu, determine your budget.

From Salon ● Jun. 21, 2026

They had agreed to work together to help Dickie and Ginny, but after a brainstorming session that had been more like a brain drizzle session, they still had no idea how to do it.

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman

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