brainstorm

1 of 2

verb

brain·​storm ˈbrān-ˌstȯrm 

brainstormed; brainstorming; brainstorms

transitive + intransitive

: to try to solve a problem or come up with new ideas by having a discussion that includes all members of a group : to discuss a problem or issue and suggest solutions and ideas

Students from Paris, Milan, Tokyo, and New York were invited to the Cambridge campus to brainstorm with MIT students on the marriage of couture and computer.

—Elizabeth Thrasher

Engineers are only beginning to brainstorm possible reasons that Polar Lander might have kept silent.

—Sharon Begley

see also brainstorming

brainstormer noun

plural brainstormers

In fact, the speakers joined the attendees as collaborative brainstormers in an exercise to find solutions to some truly global problems …

—Amy Schrier

brainstorm

2 of 2

noun

plural brainstorms

1

a

: a sudden bright idea

Another French immigrant to the Quaker City, Eugene Roussel, had a brainstorm that raised the curtain on a new era in the history of carbonated beverages.

—David M. Schwartz

b

: the act of brainstorming : a group discussion for the purpose of solving a problem or coming up with new ideas

Once the brainstorms are done, however, everyone needs to get their individual pieces of the creative puzzle done as effectively and efficiently as possible.

—Denise Blasevick

c

: a harebrained idea

The layout looks as though it is the brainstorm of the art director of a struggling new advertising agency after a three-martini lunch.

—Sloan Wilson

2

British, informal : a temporary state of confusion : a period of unclear thinking

… Smith's rise was interrupted by a brainstorm, a failure of logic, a loss of bearings that will now stay with him for the rest of his life.

—Paul Hayward

3

dated : a violent transient fit of insanity

Synonyms

Verb

• communicate
• intercommunicate

Examples of brainstorm in a Sentence

Verb

they brainstormed about ways to raise money for their organization

Her latest brainstorm is to convert the garage into an apartment.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Each team would have one hour to brainstorm their full restaurant concept before picking out color schemes and table linens at All Star Rentals in Muskego. —Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 8 May 2024

In the lead up to World War II, the British government brainstormed ways to keep important museum treasures safe. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 May 2024

And the school’s Coyote Green Team, a group of about 30 students coming from all the grades, meets regularly to brainstorm ways to make the campus more eco-friendly. —Theresa Cisneros, Orange County Register, 7 May 2024

He’s already brainstormed a plot device that could serve as a workaround and have his version of Kirk come back to life. —Zack Sharf, Variety, 6 May 2024

This is one of the best periods of the year to brainstorm ideas, goals and create strategies to manifest them. —Kyle Thomas, Peoplemag, 5 May 2024

Christina Garza and Connor Hagan, both public affairs officers, are often the ones who brainstorm the names. —Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 3 May 2024

Speaking with The New York Times together on a video call Friday morning, several students from the class discussed their thoughts on the 31 new songs and brainstormed their final papers, which are due at the end of the month. —Madison Malone Kircher, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2024

Her class helped brainstorm birthday gift ideas for an 8-year-old Swiftie. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1945, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1861, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

brainstorm

noun

brain·​storm ˈbrān-ˌstȯ(ə)rm 

: a sudden inspiration or idea