brainstorming

noun brain·storm·ing \ ˈbrān-ˌstȯr-miŋ \

|Updated on: 12 Aug 2018

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 — see also ²brainstorm

See brainstorming defined for kids

Recent Examples of brainstorming from the Web

The three Patriots spent a week brainstorming questions about mass incarceration, the juvenile system, immigration and police-community relations.

— jenny vrentas, SI.com, "For Many NFL Players, Summer Doesn't Bring Much of a Break," 9 July 2018
The other is coming up with ideas with a group of magicians, brainstorming.

— lauren daley, BostonGlobe.com, "David Blaine takes a licking and keeps on tricking," 27 June 2018
The sisters have since settled into a groove, brainstorming throughout the week before committing to a night to record two episodes.

— east oregonian, OregonLive.com, "Sisters use podcast to find strange connections on Wikipedia," 3 June 2018
Group brainstorming can motivate a reluctant helper.

— sandiegouniontribune.com, "A caregiver’s guide to creating a getaway plan," 9 May 2018
Emily says that the idea came from a brainstorming sesh with her mom, who was trying to help her come up with the perfect senior prank.

— thalia ortiz, Seventeen, "These Seniors Pranked Their Principal In The Most Amazing Way," 12 Mar. 2015
After brainstorming sessions with peers with other teams in town, Greene led the creation of Pro Sports Alliance of San Diego.

— danielle ohl, baltimoresun.com, "Trump declines request to lower flags in memory of Capital Gazette shooting victims," 2 July 2018
After brainstorming sessions with peers with other teams in town, Greene led the creation of Pro Sports Alliance of San Diego.

— danielle ohl, baltimoresun.com, "Trump declines request to lower flags in memory of Capital Gazette shooting victims," 2 July 2018
EagleEyes was the unexpected result of a brainstorming session Dr. Gips held over lunch with another computer-science professor at Boston College, Peter Olivieri.

— james r. hagerty, WSJ, "James Gips Created Technology Allowing People to Use Their Eyes to Control Cursors," 29 June 2018

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.