intensive discussion to solve problems or generate ideas
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
brain•storm•ing /ˈbreɪnˌstɔrmɪŋ/USA pronunciation
n. [uncountable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025- a group technique for solving problems, coming up with new ideas, etc., by meeting together and allowing almost any idea to be brought up.
brain•storm•ing
(brān′stôr′ming),USA pronunciation n.
- a conference technique of solving specific problems, amassing information, stimulating creative thinking, developing new ideas, etc., by unrestrained and spontaneous participation in discussion.
- brainstorm + -ing1 1955–60
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
brain•storm /ˈbreɪnˌstɔrm/USA pronunciation
n.
v.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025- [countable]
- a sudden inspiration or idea:She suddenly got a brainstorm: pin the crime on her lover and escape with the money.
v.
- to engage in brainstorming:[no object]They brainstormed for most of the morning.
- to subject (a problem) to brainstorming:[~ + object]The research team brainstormed the problem all day.
brain•storm
(brān′stôrm′),USA pronunciation n.
adj.
v.i.
v.t.
brain′storm′er, n.
-
- a sudden impulse, idea, etc.
- a fit of mental confusion or excitement.
- brainstorming.
adj.
- of or pertaining to brainstorming.
v.i.
- to conduct or practice brainstorming.
v.t.
- to subject (a problem) to brainstorming.
- 1890–95; brain + storm; origin, originally a severe mental disturbance
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
a severe outburst of excitement, often as the result of a transitory disturbance of cerebral activity a sudden mental aberration
another word for brainwavea session of intensive discussion to solve problems or generate ideas
to hold a brainstorming session
'brainstorming' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):