How to pronounce brainstorm
Say it like BRAYN-storm. Brainstorm has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BRAYN).
- BRAYN
- storm
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Brainstorm pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BRAYNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- stormGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of brainstorm
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BRAYN-stawm.
What does brainstorm mean?
- To investigate something, or solve a problem using brainstorming.
- To participate in a brainstorming session.
- To think up (ideas); especially, to do so creatively.“I need you to brainstorm some suggestions for next week's activity schedule.”
- A sudden thought, particularly one that solves a long-standing problem.“I had been working on the problem for weeks, and then I had a brainstorm and saw that the solution was easy.”
- A session of brainstorming, investigating a problem to try to find solutions.
- An unexpected mental error.
Where does brainstorm come from?
From brain + storm. In the sense of "problem-solve", devised as a method of group creative problem-solving by advertising executive Alex F.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- brainwave
- insight
Questions about saying brainstorm
How do you pronounce brainstorm?
Say BRAYN-storm. The American pronunciation is /ˈbreɪnˌstɔrm/. In British English it is /ˈbreɪnstɔːm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in brainstorm?
Brainstorm has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BRAYN). Broken into parts: BRAYN · storm.
Is brainstorm pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈbreɪnstɔːm/ (BRAYN-stawm).