English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
verb

brainstorm

BRAYNS-tawm
verb
1
To generate ideas freely, often as a group, without immediately judging them.
"The team brainstormed names for the new product for an hour."
noun
1
A sudden good idea.
"She had a brainstorm in the shower and rushed to write it down."

How to Use Brainstorm

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo freely generate ideas, usually in a group and without criticizing them right away.

Common pairings
brainstorm ideas a brainstorming session

Word Forms

brainstormed past tense, brainstorms singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “brainstorm” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The team _____ names for the new product for an hour.

Etymology

Coined around 1945 by advertising executive Alex Osborn, describing a group "storming" a problem with ideas.

Rhymes for brainstorm

See all rhymes for brainstorm →
Definitions: FreeDict original editorial