boomed; booming; booms
1
: to make a deep hollow sound
2
a
: to increase in importance, popularity, or esteem
b
: to experience a sudden rapid growth and expansion usually with an increase in prices
business was booming
c
: to develop rapidly in population and importance
California boomed when gold was discovered there
d
: to increase greatly in size or number
the population boomed
1
: to cause to resound
—often used with out
his voice booms out the lyrics
2
: to cause a rapid growth or increase of : boost
3
: to hit or kick forcefully
boom a punt
1
: a booming sound or cry
—often used interjectionally to indicate suddenness
then boom, he was fired
2
: a rapid expansion or increase: such as
a
: a general movement in support of a candidate for office
b
: rapid settlement and development of a town or district
c
: a rapid widespread expansion of economic activity
d
: an upsurge in activity, interest, or popularity
a folk music boom
1
: a long spar used to extend the foot of a sail
2
a
: a chain or line of connected floating timbers extended across a river, lake, or harbor (as to obstruct passage or catch floating objects)
b
: a temporary floating barrier used to contain an oil spill
3
a
: a long beam projecting from the mast of a derrick to support or guide cargo
b
: a long more or less horizontal supporting arm or brace (as for holding a microphone)
4
: a spar or outrigger connecting the tail surfaces and the main supporting structure of an aircraft
Synonyms
Examples of boom in a Sentence
Verb
the sound of the bass drum booming
His voice boomed out across the congregation.
She boomed commands from the stern of the ship.
“What's going on here?” he boomed.
Housing construction has boomed in the past year.
Last year we almost had to close the store, but now business is booming.
Noun (1)
the nerve-jangling boom of a car backfiring
Recent Examples on the Web
Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 17 Jan. 2025
As for why the look is booming in popularity, hairstylist Serina Battaglini, owner of Serina Styles in Sola Salons, says face-framing layers are flattering on everyone—no matter your face shape or hair type.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 15 Jan. 2025
Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
Considered a cultural phenomenon, the movie also played a role in kicking off that era's erotic thriller boom.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for boom 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
The Taiwanese chipmaker reported fourth-quarter earnings that beat forecasts, fueled by booming AI chip sales.
—Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 17 Jan. 2025
As for why the look is booming in popularity, hairstylist Serina Battaglini, owner of Serina Styles in Sola Salons, says face-framing layers are flattering on everyone—no matter your face shape or hair type.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
Other than luxury goods titan and LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault, the group saw their wealth rise over the past 12 months, which Omar Ocampo, researcher at the Institute for Policy Studies, previously told Newsweek reflects the ongoing boom in the tech sector.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
Considered a cultural phenomenon, the movie also played a role in kicking off that era's erotic thriller boom.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for boom
Articles Related to boom
Dictionary Entries Near boom
Cite this Entry
“Boom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boom. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
boom
1 of 3 noun1
: a long pole used especially to stretch the bottom of a sail
2
a
: a long beam sticking out from the mast of a derrick to support or guide something that is being lifted
b
: a long arm used to move a microphone
3
: a line of connected floating timbers (as across a river) to obstruct passage or catch floating objects
boom
2 of 3 verb1
: to make a deep hollow rumbling sound
2
a
: to increase in importance or popularity
b
: to experience a boom (as in growth)
boom
3 of 3 noun1
: a booming sound or cry
2
: a rapid increase in growth, popularity, or prosperity
especially
: a rapid widespread expansion of business
Etymology
Noun
from Dutch boom "tree, wooden beam"
Verb
a word imitating the sound
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share