verb
boom
boom
verb
1
To make a loud, deep, resonant sound.
"Thunder boomed across the valley."
2
To grow or thrive rapidly, especially economically.
"The tech sector boomed throughout the decade."
noun
1
A sudden period of rapid growth or prosperity.
"The housing boom pushed prices up in every city."
2
A long pole used to extend or support something, such as a sail, microphone, or crane load.
"The camera crew swung the boom mic just out of frame."
How to Use Boom
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA loud deep noise, or a sudden surge of growth or success.
Common mistake
Don't confuse the economic "boom" with "boon" (a benefit) — they sound similar but mean different things.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
economic boom
baby boom
boom and bust
sonic boom
Word Forms
boomed past tense, boomed past tense, booms singular, booms singular
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “boom”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Thunder _____ across the valley.
Etymology
Imitative in origin, echoing a deep, hollow sound; the economic sense of "rapid growth" likely grew out of the idea of things suddenly expanding, as in a loud burst.