Synonyms

thinking cap

American

noun

a state of mind marked by reflection or concentration.

If we put on our thinking caps, we may come up with the answer.

thinking cap Idioms

see put on one's thinking cap.

Etymology

Origin of thinking cap

First recorded in 1870–75

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.

Then put on your short-term thinking cap for a moment.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 11, 2025

It’s noir with a social conscience, noir with its thinking cap on.

From Washington Post • Feb. 24, 2023

It’s the biggest week of the high school football season, so let me peek into my crystal ball, put on my thinking cap and come up with some predictions for the biggest games.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 28, 2021

There are also branded goodies to be had, such as a decision-making journal and a Farnam Street thinking cap.

From New York Times • Nov. 11, 2018

Grandpa put his thinking cap on and started mumbling and grumbling.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023