brainstorm

[ breyn-stawrm ]

noun

1. 1. a sudden impulse, idea, etc.:

      Her most recent brainstorm of teaching her dog to surf wasn’t met with much enthusiasm from the dog.

   2. Chiefly British Informal. a fit of mental confusion or excitement.
2. a session of brainstorming.

adjective

1. of or relating to brainstorming.

verb (used without object)

1. to conduct or practice brainstorming, a technique for generating ideas and solving specific problems with uncensored and nonlinear thinking, usually performed through group participation in a spontaneous discussion where all ideas are noted without assigning them value, and no proposal is selected or discarded until after the conclusion of the creative exercise.

verb (used with object)

1. to generate (ideas, solutions, questions, etc.) through brainstorming.

brainstorm

/ ˈbreɪnˌstɔːm /

noun

1. a severe outburst of excitement, often as the result of a transitory disturbance of cerebral activity
2. informal.
   a sudden mental aberration
3. informal.
   another word for brainwave

Other Words From

• brain·storm·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of brainstorm¹

First recorded in 1890–95; brain + storm; originally a manifestation of a serious psychiatric disorder

Example Sentences

Of the potential opponents brainstormed for Paul, Netflix was most interested in Tyson, a big name who could draw longtime boxing fans and viewers outside the sport.

From Los Angeles Times

Members are already brainstorming possible names for its future cafe.

From Los Angeles Times

Then, he huddled with pitching coach Mark Prior and bench coach Danny Lehmann, brainstorming how to cover the remaining eight innings.

From Los Angeles Times

Researchers brainstormed ideas for seasonal flavoured coffees and pumpkin scored high on "uniqueness".

From BBC

Nordberg could say the same thing about the brainstorm he had five years ago.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deliberate