brainstorm

1 of 2

verb

brain·​storm ˈbrān-ˌstȯrm How to pronounce brainstorm (audio)
brainstormed; brainstorming; brainstorms

transitive + intransitive

: to try to solve a problem or come up with new ideas by having a discussion that includes all members of a group : to discuss a problem or issue and suggest solutions and ideas
Students from Paris, Milan, Tokyo, and New York were invited to the Cambridge campus to brainstorm with MIT students on the marriage of couture and computer.Elizabeth Thrasher
Engineers are only beginning to brainstorm possible reasons that Polar Lander might have kept silent.Sharon Begley
see also brainstorming
brainstormer noun
plural brainstormers
In fact, the speakers joined the attendees as collaborative brainstormers in an exercise to find solutions to some truly global problems … Amy Schrier

brainstorm

2 of 2

noun

plural brainstorms
1
a
: a sudden bright idea
Another French immigrant to the Quaker City, Eugene Roussel, had a brainstorm that raised the curtain on a new era in the history of carbonated beverages.David M. Schwartz
b
: the act of brainstorming : a group discussion for the purpose of solving a problem or coming up with new ideas
Once the brainstorms are done, however, everyone needs to get their individual pieces of the creative puzzle done as effectively and efficiently as possible.Denise Blasevick
c
: a harebrained idea
The layout looks as though it is the brainstorm of the art director of a struggling new advertising agency after a three-martini lunch.Sloan Wilson
2
British, informal : a temporary state of confusion : a period of unclear thinking
… Smith's rise was interrupted by a brainstorm, a failure of logic, a loss of bearings that will now stay with him for the rest of his life.Paul Hayward
3
dated : a violent transient fit of insanity

Examples of brainstorm in a Sentence

Verb they brainstormed about ways to raise money for their organization Her latest brainstorm is to convert the garage into an apartment.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Have frequent team brainstorming sessions to review and update apps with the latest technologies. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is brainstorming how to rework the CHIPS and Science Act as President Trump trashes it, sources familiar tell Axios. Maria Curi, Axios, 5 Mar. 2025 The process starts months before the parade, with members brainstorming ideas, designing intricate costumes, and collaborating with artisans to create custom throws. Essence, 5 Mar. 2025 Severide and Stella brainstormed what to do, knocking down the idea that Damon move to another firehouse. Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brainstorm

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1945, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1861, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of brainstorm was circa 1861

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Brainstorm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brainstorm. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

brainstorm

noun
brain·​storm ˈbrān-ˌstȯ(ə)rm How to pronounce brainstorm (audio)
: a sudden inspiration or idea

More from Merriam-Webster on brainstorm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!