boom

¹boom

verb \ˈbüm\

Definition of BOOM

intransitive verb

1

: to make a deep hollow sound

2

a : to increase in importance, popularity, or esteem

b : to experience a sudden rapid growth and expansion usually with an increase in prices <business was booming>

c : to develop rapidly in population and importance <California boomed when gold was discovered there>

d : to increase greatly in size or number <the population boomed>

transitive verb

1

: to cause to resound —often used with out <his voice booms out the lyrics>

2

: to cause a rapid growth or increase of : boost

3

: to hit or kick forcefully <boom a punt>

Examples of BOOM

1. the sound of the bass drum booming
2. His voice boomed out across the congregation.
3. She boomed commands from the stern of the ship.
4. “What's going on here?” he boomed.
5. Housing construction has boomed in the past year.
6. Last year we almost had to close the store, but now business is booming.

Origin of BOOM

Middle English bomben, bummen, of imitative origin

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to BOOM

Synonyms

accelerate, accumulate, appreciate, balloon, increase, build up, burgeon (also bourgeon), climb, enlarge, escalate, expand, gain, mount, multiply, mushroom, proliferate, rise, roll up, snowball, spread, swell, wax

Antonyms

contract, decrease, diminish, dwindle, lessen, recede, wane

Related Words

jump, rocket, skyrocket, surge; heighten, intensify, redouble; blow up, bulk, distend, inflate, puff (up); crescendo, crest, peak

Near Antonyms

grunt, mouth, mumble, murmur, mutter, whisper; mewl, pule, squeak, whimper

Rhymes with BOOM

bloom, broom, brume, combe, cwm, doom, flume, fume, gloom, glume, groom, khoum, loom, neume, plume, rheum, room, spume, tomb, toom, vroom, whom, womb, zoom

²boom

noun

Definition of BOOM

1

: a booming sound or cry —often used interjectionally to indicate suddenness <then boom, he was fired>

2

: a rapid expansion or increase: as

a : a general movement in support of a candidate for office

b : rapid settlement and development of a town or district

c : a rapid widespread expansion of economic activity

d : an upsurge in activity, interest, or popularity <a folk music boom>

First Known Use of BOOM

15th century

³boom

noun

Definition of BOOM

1

: a long spar used to extend the foot of a sail

2

a : a chain or line of connected floating timbers extended across a river, lake, or harbor (as to obstruct passage or catch floating objects)

b : a temporary floating barrier used to contain an oil spill

3

a : a long beam projecting from the mast of a derrick to support or guide cargo

b : a long more or less horizontal supporting arm or brace (as for holding a microphone)

4

: a spar or outrigger connecting the tail surfaces and the main supporting structure of an aircraft

Origin of BOOM

Dutch, tree, beam; akin to Old High German boum tree — more at beam

First Known Use: 1627