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Definition of brainstorming

brainstorming

/ˈbreɪnˌstɔːrmɪŋ/
brain · storm · ing
Plural:brainstormings
•
Past Simple:brainstormed
•
Past Participle:brainstormed
•
Present Participle:brainstorming
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brainstorming Lexical Profile

brainstorming Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A collaborative group discussion or individual creative process aimed at generating a wide variety of spontaneous ideas and solutions to a specific problem.

Example

"After an hour of intensive brainstorming, the marketing team selected three promising concepts for the upcoming campaign."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for brainstorming

• verb

1

To produce an idea or way of solving a problem by holding a spontaneous group discussion or engaging in free-flowing creative thought (present participle of brainstorm).

Example

"The engineering students spent the afternoon brainstorming innovative ways to reduce plastic waste on campus."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for brainstorming

• Nearby Words

brainstem
brainstorm
brainstormer
brainstorming
brainteaser
brainwash
brainwasher

Word Origin & Etymology

Popularized in 1948 by advertising executive Alex Faickney Osborn in his book 'Your Creative Power', building on the earlier early-20th-century sense of 'brainstorm' meaning a sudden burst of inspiration.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Brainstorming. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/brainstorming
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