boomerang

[ boo-muh-rang ]

noun

1. a bent or curved piece of tough wood used by Australian Aboriginal peoples as a throwing club, one form of which can be thrown so as to return to the thrower.
2. something, as a scheme or argument, that does injury to the originator.
3. Theater.
   1. a mobile platform, adjustable to different levels, for painting scenery.
   2. a batten, usually suspended vertically in the wings, for holding lighting units.

verb (used without object)

1. to come back or return, as a boomerang.
2. to cause harm to the originator; backfire.

adjective

1. coming back, returning, or backfiring:

   the boomerang consequences of his lies.

2. Informal. of or noting a person who returns to their parents’ home or to a previous job after a period of living or working elsewhere:

   a boomerang kid;

   boomerang employees.

boomerang

/ ˈbuːməˌræŋ /

noun

1. a curved flat wooden missile of native Australians, which can be made to return to the thrower
2. an action or statement that recoils on its originator

verb

1. intr to recoil or return unexpectedly, causing harm to its originator; backfire

Word History and Origins

Origin of boomerang¹

First recorded in 1820–30; from Dharuk būmariny

Word History and Origins

Origin of boomerang¹

C19: from a native Australian language

Example Sentences

"We have turnovers, liners, hooks, boomerangs, knuckles. And they all do different things," Koch said in an interview with the NFL in 2016.

From BBC

"While launching widespread tariffs may seem like an effective tool, they can boomerang and cause unintended consequences."

From Salon

It will get a gravity assist by sling-shotting around Mars early next year, then boomerang back around Earth in late 2026 before zooming toward the gas giant and its icy, dynamic moon.

From Los Angeles Times

Nala points out all she was taught about Tasmanian Aboriginal culture and history at her Hobart school was a brief lesson on boomerangs and didgeridoos - although her people used neither.

From BBC

But the state has seen an uptick in the number of people in need of such programs, as well as more former residents boomeranging back for “further stabilization,” the state report said.

From Los Angeles Times