brain·storm
ˈbrān-ˌstȯrm 
brainstormed; brainstorming; brainstorms
: 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
Elizabeth ThrasherEngineers are only beginning to brainstorm possible reasons that Polar Lander might have kept silent.—Sharon Begley
see also brainstorming
Sharon Begley
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
Amy Schrier
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
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
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
Sloan Wilson2
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
Paul Hayward3
dated
: a violent transient fit of insanity
Examples of brainstorm in a Sentence
Noun
Her latest brainstorm is to convert the garage into an apartment.
Recent Examples on the WebDanielle Paquette, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2024
Chris recruits Shilpa to brainstorm recipes for simple baking projects that are delicious without being too fussy, in order to build the confidence that Nina craves.
—The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 28 Mar. 2024
Beyond just responding, business leaders can use these opportunities to brainstorm solutions, discuss the issues at hand, and ideate solutions while adhering to the facts.
—Reggie Yativ, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
The idea to have a program initially formed in April 2023, when Milpitas staff were brainstorming ways to encourage library visits.
—Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2024
Organizers are working on accommodations, brainstorming ideas like a canopy that would protect their eyesight while still providing a vantage point to view the eclipse.
—USA TODAY, 30 Mar. 2024
Business leaders and managers can also brainstorm using Visio, which offers templates for visualizing problems and finding solutions.
—Stackcommerce Team, PCMAG, 26 Mar. 2024
Leaders can involve staff members in identifying pain points in current processes and brainstorming digital solutions.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024
So with that, Huang took to a Denny’s booth with his two friends to brainstorm a business.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2024
Verb
That’s why the city’s Democratic mayor, 43-year-old Leonardo Williams, was already brainstorming ways to ward off another financial blow.
—Danielle Paquette, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2024
Chris recruits Shilpa to brainstorm recipes for simple baking projects that are delicious without being too fussy, in order to build the confidence that Nina craves.
—The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 28 Mar. 2024
Beyond just responding, business leaders can use these opportunities to brainstorm solutions, discuss the issues at hand, and ideate solutions while adhering to the facts.
—Reggie Yativ, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
The idea to have a program initially formed in April 2023, when Milpitas staff were brainstorming ways to encourage library visits.
—Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2024
Organizers are working on accommodations, brainstorming ideas like a canopy that would protect their eyesight while still providing a vantage point to view the eclipse.
—USA TODAY, 30 Mar. 2024
Business leaders and managers can also brainstorm using Visio, which offers templates for visualizing problems and finding solutions.
—Stackcommerce Team, PCMAG, 26 Mar. 2024
Leaders can involve staff members in identifying pain points in current processes and brainstorming digital solutions.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024
So with that, Huang took to a Denny’s booth with his two friends to brainstorm a business.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brainstorm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near brainstorm
Cite this Entry
“Brainstorm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brainstorm. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
brainstorm
noun
brain·storm
ˈbrān-ˌstȯ(ə)rm
: a sudden inspiration or idea
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share