boomerang

noun

boo·​mer·​ang ˈbü-mə-ˌraŋ 

1

: a bent or angular throwing club typically flat on one side and rounded on the other so that it soars or curves in flight

especially : one designed to return near the thrower

2

: an act or utterance that backfires on its originator

boomerang intransitive verb

Examples of boomerang in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, Jon posted a boomerang on his Instagram Stories the same day celebrating Hannah’s 21st at Fig & Barrel, joined by his girlfriend Stephanie Lebo. —Colson Thayer, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Medicaid cuts are a boomerang aimed at America’s aging workforce and economic stability. —Margaret Norris, Boston Herald, 31 July 2025

This is more of a story line coming for her, karma for some of Tamra’s worst deeds returning like a boomerang made of razor blades. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 18 July 2025

Still other positions have experienced boomerang funding. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Dharuk (Australian aboriginal language of the Port Jackson area) bumarinʸ

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing boomerang

• boomerang child

Rhymes for boomerang

• overhang
• bang
• chuang
• clang
• dang
• drang
• fang
• gang
• gangue
• hang
• hange
• kang

Kids Definition

boomerang

1 of 2 noun

boo·​mer·​ang

ˈbü-mə-ˌraŋ

: a curved club that can be thrown so as to return to the thrower

boomerang

2 of 2 verb

: backfire entry 2 sense 2

Etymology

the Indigenous word for this club in Australia