brainstorm

1 of 2

verb

brain·​storm ˈbrān-ˌstȯrm How to pronounce brainstorm (audio)
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

Examples of brainstorm in a Sentence

Noun Her latest brainstorm is to convert the garage into an apartment.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
At the same time, Organic Valley leadership was brainstorming ways to further the co-op's sustainability efforts. Journal Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2024 This biz brainstorms fanciful flavors—such as vanilla bean ice cream perfumed with a hint of jasmine and lychee jellies; mellow jackfruit cream with lightly roasted chili cashew nuts; and mango ice cream with peach-mango fruit swirls and pie crust crunch. Laura Manske, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Marte and a couple of friends set up a group text for gossiping, brainstorming, and sharing resources. Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2024 Since the start of school, the kids have gone step by step — first, brainstorming potential go-kart designs, then researching those ideas, and presenting the plans to the class. Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 27 Jan. 2024 Laura has been an invaluable partner in publishing this newsletter, brainstorming subject lines and headlines, dealing with technical snafus and helping craft strategy to reach more readers. Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2024 For insider info about how this quirky and enchanting show was brainstormed and created, read my article Actor Eugene Levy On Going From ‘Schitt’s Creek’ To ‘The Reluctant Traveler’. Laura Manske, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 In the late 1970s, an ambitious new computer company called Apple started to brainstorm its next steps as the age of home computers suddenly seemed a reality. Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024 This year’s menus were being brainstormed as last year’s Mardi Gras event wrapped. USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brainstorm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1945, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1861, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of brainstorm was circa 1861

Dictionary Entries Near brainstorm

Cite this Entry

“Brainstorm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brainstorm. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

brainstorm

noun
brain·​storm ˈbrān-ˌstȯ(ə)rm How to pronounce brainstorm (audio)
: a sudden inspiration or idea

More from Merriam-Webster on brainstorm

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