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1

boom

play
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

See boom defined for English-language learners

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Examples of boom in a Sentence

  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 and Etymology of boom

Middle English bomben, bummen, of imitative origin

boom Synonyms

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
2

boom

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: such 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

circa 1500

3

boom

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 and Etymology of boom

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

Phrases Related to BOOM

Related Phrases

BOOM Defined for English Language Learners

boom

play
verb

Definition of boom for English Language Learners

  • : to make a deep and loud sound

  • : to say (something) in a deep and loud voice

  • of a business or industry : to grow or expand suddenly

BOOM Defined for Kids

1

boom

play
verb \ ˈbüm \

Definition of boom for Students

boomed; booming
1 :to make a deep, hollow, and loud sound
  • The cannon boomed.
2 :to increase or develop rapidly
  • Business boomed last year.
2

boom

noun

Definition of boom for Students

1 :a deep, hollow, and loud sound
2 :a rapid increase in activity or popularity
  • a sales boom
3

boom

noun

Definition of boom for Students

1 :a long pole attached to the bottom of a sail
2 :a long beam sticking out from the mast of a derrick to support or guide something that is being lifted
3 :a long pole for holding a microphone

Learn More about boom

  1. See words that rhyme with boom Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for boom Spanish Central: Translation of boom Nglish: Translation of boom for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of boom for Arabic speakers

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Examples: boom in a Sentence