brainstorm
brainstorm Lexical Profile
brainstorm Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To produce an idea or way of solving a problem by holding a spontaneous group discussion or by thinking intensively.
"The students gathered around the whiteboard to brainstorm topics for their science project."
• noun
A spontaneous group discussion or session held to produce ideas and ways of solving problems.
"We scheduled a quick brainstorm with the design team to come up with concepts for the new campaign."
North American A sudden, clever, or inspirational idea.
"She had a sudden brainstorm on how to reorganize the warehouse more efficiently."
British A moment of sudden mental confusion, forgetfulness, or inability to think clearly.
"He had a complete brainstorm on stage and forgot the opening lines of his speech."
Word Nuance & Usage
In American English, the noun 'brainstorm' typically means a sudden clever idea, whereas in traditional British English it can mean a sudden moment of mental confusion or forgetfulness (where British speakers use 'brainwave' for a sudden good idea).
• Rhymes for brainstorm
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the late 19th century as a psychiatric term for a sudden, severe mental disturbance or manic outburst. The modern sense of generating creative ideas in a group was popularized in the 1940s by American advertising executive Alex Faickney Osborn.