brainstorming

noun

brain·​storm·​ing ˈbrān-ˌstȯr-miŋ How to pronounce brainstorming (audio)
plural brainstormings
: a group problem-solving technique that involves the spontaneous contribution of ideas from all members of the group
conducted several brainstorming sessions
also : the mulling over of ideas by one or more individuals in an attempt to devise or find a solution to a problem
… he's already done some brainstorming about new marketing strategies. George Lazarus

Examples of brainstorming in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Hold brainstorming sessions with your leadership team. Brendan Howe, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023 Even the images that didn’t accurately convey information flows still served a useful purpose in driving productive brainstorming. IEEE Spectrum, 14 Oct. 2023 Innovation can spark in a multitude of ways: research and development teams that invent new products; efficient processes padding a company’s bottom line; inspiring leaders who foster the brainstorming and collaboration that inspire original creations. Maia Samuel, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2023 Lay out an area rug to anchor the space and warm it up, dedicate your walls to mood boarding and brainstorming, and hang a whimsical light that sparks the imagination. Hadley Mendelsohn, House Beautiful, 22 Aug. 2023 But, without a chalkboard and hyper-qualified brainstorming team handy, that word will have to do. Ann Hornaday, Anchorage Daily News, 20 July 2023 Residents ages 12 and older will exercise their power beyond the brainstorming phase starting Sept. 13, when voting begins on a slate of 20 potential one-time projects that were shortlisted this summer by a group of volunteers. Alex Koller, BostonGlobe.com, 23 Aug. 2023 The collaboration took a lot of brainstorming and iterations until the pair settled on the final version. Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 20 July 2023 With time of the essence, the rescue team didn’t hold long brainstorming sessions. Adam Grant, TIME, 24 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brainstorming.' 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

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brainstorming was in 1907

Dictionary Entries Near brainstorming

Cite this Entry

“Brainstorming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brainstorming. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

brainstorming

noun
brain·​storm·​ing -stȯrm-iŋ How to pronounce brainstorming (audio)
: a technique used to solve problems and encourage creativity in which members of a group share their ideas about a subject
brainstorm verb

More from Merriam-Webster on brainstorming

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