brainstorming

play

noun brain·storm·ing \-ˌstȯr-miŋ\

Definition of brainstorming

: a group problem-solving technique that involves the spontaneous contribution of ideas from all members of the group; also : the mulling over of ideas by one or more individuals in an attempt to devise or find a solution to a problem

brainstorm

verb

brainstormer

noun

See brainstorming defined for kids

Recent Examples of brainstorming from the Web

The friends spread 10 illustrations out on a table and spent an afternoon brainstorming.

— brigit katz, Smithsonian, "Forgotten Children’s Book by Maurice Sendak Will Be Published in 2018," 10 July 2017
Aaron Kopp’s intimate camerawork captures the kids’ faces lighting up during their collaborative brainstorming sessions, in English and Siswati (Swazi), under the warm and vigorous guidance of Mhlophe.

— sheri linden, The Hollywood Reporter, "‘Liyana’: Film Review | LAFF 2017," 8 July 2017
For some groups, meeting with new people appeared to spark a policy brainstorming session.

— libby solomon, Columbia Flier, "The Longest Table sparks dialogue at dinner party of hundreds," 30 June 2017
Assemble an elite team of scientists for a year-long brainstorming session.

— jenna gallegos, Washington Post, "This quiet agricultural ‘moonshot’ could change the future of food," 24 June 2017
BEAGLE BRAINSTORMINGDe Boer quickly began riffling through YouTube videos to study different animal behaviors, but some of his research was more hands on.

— jake coyle, The Seattle Times, "For ‘Okja,’ growing a GMO pig from page to screen," 23 June 2017
For the follicular phase, when low sex hormones slowly rise, MyFLO recommended adventurous dates to increase my energy, lots of foreplay to up the excitement and conversations about my hopes and dreams to humor my tendency toward brainstorming.

— suzannah weiss, Harper's BAZAAR, "Why Your Boyfriend Should Put Your Period on His Calendar," 21 June 2017
Meetings in unexpected venues like bars or rooftop gardens are great for hosting brainstorming sessions or announcing new projects.

— diane hoskins, Fortune, "Why More Meetings Should Be in Bars," 21 June 2017
Technology executives at odds with the Trump administration see a bigger problem than attending a White House brainstorming session Monday—not attending.

— yoree koh, WSJ, "For Tech CEOs, Not Attending White House Summit Is Greater Risk," 17 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'brainstorming.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.