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

Comedians are increasingly experimenting with the technology to write scripts and brainstorm ideas, including Anesti Danelis.

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

The winning entry from a pool of thousands came from a couple in central Florida, who appeared on the morning show to explain their brainstorm.

From Slate

Meanwhile, the community continues to brainstorm.

From Los Angeles Times

We should brainstorm methods to reduce, reuse and recycle.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deliberate