brainstorming

noun

brain·​storm·​ing ˈbrān-ˌstȯr-miŋ 

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

Teachers can begin meeting in professional learning communities not just to plan lessons, but to examine data together—celebrating what’s working and brainstorming solutions where students struggle. —Haozhen Yang, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Van Sant is in his element conducting the media circus and the brainstorming of local cops and FBI. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025

In the days following the outbreak of the fire, messages continued firing off in a community WhatsApp group updating fellow neighbors on the status of their homes and brainstorming ways to help. —Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Everyone in the room was well-versed in AI, and the day was filled with discussions, brainstorming, and planning. —Gabriele Rosani, Harvard Business Review, 27 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for brainstorming

• conforming
• deforming
• heartwarming
• informing
• performing
• reforming
• rewarming
• transforming
• forming
• storming
• swarming
• warming

Kids Definition

brainstorming

noun

brain·​storm·​ing -stȯrm-iŋ 

: a technique used to solve problems and encourage creativity in which members of a group share their ideas about a subject

brainstorm verb