brainstorming

[breyn-stawr-ming] /ˈbreɪnˌstɔr mɪŋ/
noun
1.
a conference technique of solving specific problems, amassing information, stimulating creative thinking, developing new ideas, etc., by unrestrained and spontaneous participation in discussion.
Origin
1955-60; brainstorm + -ing1

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 brainstorming
  • Have students place the topics they listed during the brainstorming session into these four topics.
  • Having an audience for practice presentations and brainstorming sessions is helpful as well.
  • But this requires a new and purposive round of brainstorming.
  • Her energy and ideas seemed boundless, whether she was working all night or brainstorming with colleagues on mountain hikes.
  • brainstorming didn't unleash the potential of the group, but rather made each individual less creative.
  • Rush isn't content to leave off with the brainstorming session.
  • To offer the team members an opportunity to practice brainstorming.
  • The workshop was preceded by a brainstorming session three months earlier.
  • Through brainstorming, answer the questions within each category and record your responses on the tool provided.
  • There are many variations to brainstorming activities.
British Dictionary definitions for brainstorming

brainstorming

/ˈbreɪnˌstɔːmɪŋ/
noun
1.
intensive discussion to solve problems or generate ideas

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 brainstorming

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 brainstorming

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+)