brainstorm

[breyn-stawrm] /ˈbreɪnˌstɔrm/
noun
1.
  1. a sudden impulse, idea, etc.
  2. a fit of mental confusion or excitement.
2.
brainstorming.
adjective
3.
of or pertaining to brainstorming.
verb (used without object)
4.
to conduct or practice brainstorming.
verb (used with object)
5.
to subject (a problem) to brainstorming.
Origin
1890-95; brain + storm; originally a severe mental disturbance
Related forms
brainstormer, noun
Examples from the web for brainstorm
  • In this lesson, students brainstorm words and phrases that describe themselves.
  • Ask students to brainstorm some of the strategies that animals use when hunting.
  • brainstorm some names of imaginary prehistoric creatures if they were discovered in your local area.
  • Graham will sit with the founders and brainstorm key points, writing them down on a whiteboard.
  • Ask them to brainstorm how the canyon was formed, and discuss their ideas.
  • Have them brainstorm some of the images or memories that immediately come to mind.
  • Then help them brainstorm ways that they and other people in the community can help keep the water supply safe and clean.
  • Have students brainstorm additional ways to reduce their oil use.
  • Then have students brainstorm some things in their community that might attract people.
  • Have pairs of students brainstorm a list of characteristics of marine ecosystems.
British Dictionary definitions for brainstorm

brainstorm

/ˈbreɪnˌstɔːm/
noun
1.
a severe outburst of excitement, often as the result of a transitory disturbance of cerebral activity
2.
(Brit, informal) a sudden mental aberration
3.
(informal) another word for brainwave
Word Origin and History for brainstorm
n.

"brilliant idea, mental excitement, fit of mental application," 1849, from brain (n.) + figurative use of storm (n.). As a verb, recorded from 1920s. Related: Brainstormed; brainstorming.

Slang definitions & phrases for brainstorm

brainstorm

noun

A sudden idea, esp one that is apt and useful; a happy insight •Brainstorm was a medical term for ''mental explosion'' by the 1890s (1920s+)

verb

To examine and work on a problem by having a group sit around and utter spontaneously whatever relevant thoughts they have: We'll brainstorm the drop in enrollment (1920s+)