boom
boom Lexical Profile
boom Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A period of rapid economic growth, high demand, or sudden commercial prosperity.
"The region experienced an unprecedented housing boom following the arrival of several major technology firms."
A loud, deep, resonant sound, such as that of thunder, an explosion, or a heavy wave.
"A low boom of distant thunder rolled across the valley just before the rain began."
A long, movable mechanical arm or pole used to position a microphone, camera, or lifting hook on a crane.
"The sound technician extended the boom to hold the microphone just above the actors' heads without entering the camera frame."
A pivoted spar or long pole attached to the mast of a sailboat to hold and extend the foot of a sail.
"The sailing instructor warned the crew to duck low whenever the boom swung across the deck."
A floating barrier stretched across a river, harbor, or open water to obstruct navigation, contain floating logs, or prevent the spread of an oil spill.
"Environmental crews deployed a floating containment boom around the harbor to trap the leaked fuel before it reached the shoreline."
• verb
To experience a period of rapid economic growth, high activity, or sudden prosperity.
"Tourism along the coast began to boom after the new high-speed rail line was completed."
To make a loud, deep, resonant sound, or to speak with a deep, echoing voice.
"The announcer's voice boomed through the stadium speakers as the athletes entered the track."
• interjection
Used to imitate a sudden, loud, resonant sound, or to emphasize a sudden, dramatic, or decisive action or realization.
"Just click the submit button and, boom, your application is officially registered."
• Rhymes for boom
Word Origin & Etymology
The senses relating to sound and economic growth originate from Middle English 'bommen' (to hum or buzz), of imitative origin. The nautical and mechanical senses denoting a long pole or beam were borrowed separately in the 17th century from Dutch 'boom' (tree, beam, or pole), cognate with English 'beam' and German 'Baum'.