boom Hear it!

boom1 definition

boom (bo̵̅o̅m)

intransitive verb

to make a deep, hollow, resonant sound

Etymology: ME bummen, to hum; like Du bommen, Ger bummen, orig. echoic

transitive verb

to speak or indicate with such a sound: usually with out the clock boomed out the hour

noun

  1. a booming sound, as of thunder, heavy guns, etc.
  2. the resonant cry of certain animals, as the bullfrog

Related Forms:

boom2 definition

boom (bo̵̅o̅m)

noun

  1. a spar extending from a mast to hold the bottom of a sail outstretched

  2. Etymology: from use of ship's boom for this purpose

    a long beam extending as from an upright to lift or carry something and guide it as needed the boom of a derrick, a microphone boom
  3. a barrier of chains or poles to obstruct navigation
  4. ☆ Lumbering
    1. a barrier across a river or around an area of water to prevent floating logs from dispersing
    2. the area in which logs are thus confined
  5. Aeron. a retractable metal tube for transferring fuel from a tanker to another plane in flight

Etymology: Du, a tree, beam, pole; same word ult. as beam

transitive verb

to stretch out (sails) as with a boom so as to take maximum advantage of a wind abaft the beam and hence make speed

intransitive verb

to go rapidly along; move with speed or vigor: usually with along
boom Idioms

lower the boom

☆
Informal to act suddenly and forcefully in dealing out punishment or criticism, in defeating, etc.
boom3 definition

boom (bo̵̅o̅m)

intransitive verb

to increase suddenly in size, importance, activity, etc.; undergo swift, vigorous growth; flourish business boomed

Etymology: < ? boomvi.; later assoc. with boom

transitive verb

to promote vigorously; popularize they boomed him for mayor

noun

  1. swift, vigorous growth or development
  2. a period of business prosperity, industrial expansion, etc.
  3. a sudden favorable turn in business or political prospects

adjective

of, characteristic of, or resulting from a boom in business, etc.

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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