brainstorming

[ breyn-stawr-ming ]

noun

1. 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.

brainstorming

/ ˈbreɪnˌstɔːmɪŋ /

noun

1. intensive discussion to solve problems or generate ideas

Word History and Origins

Origin of brainstorming¹

First recorded in 1955–60; brainstorm + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Lately, rather than the typical sit-down meals, she’s been hosting things like an ice cream social at Echo Park’s Fluffy McCloud’s, and she’s currently brainstorming a cooking competition-inspired dinner.

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

Despite some rubbish jokes, he says the tool was useful for brainstorming.

From BBC

But this type of monitoring has a major flaw: It doesn’t account for working time away from the keyboard, such as brainstorming, reading old-fashioned hard copies, and talking to clients or co-workers offline.

From Slate