Origin of boom

1
1400–50; 1910–15 for def 10; late Middle English bombon, bummyn to buzz; cognate with Dutch bommen, German bummen, orig. imitative

OTHER WORDS FROM boom

boom·ing·ly, adverb

Definition for boom (2 of 2)

boom 2
[ boom ]
/ bum /

noun

verb (used with object)

to extend or position, as a sail (usually followed by out or off).
to manipulate (an object) by or as by means of a crane or derrick.

verb (used without object)

to sail at full speed.

Origin of boom

2
1635–45; < Dutch: tree, pole, beam

OTHER WORDS FROM boom

boom·less, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for boom

British Dictionary definitions for boom (1 of 2)

boom 1
/ (buːm) /

verb

to make a deep prolonged resonant sound, as of thunder or artillery fire
to prosper or cause to prosper vigorously and rapidly business boomed

noun

Word Origin for boom

C15: perhaps from Dutch bommen, of imitative origin

British Dictionary definitions for boom (2 of 2)

boom 2
/ (buːm) /

noun

nautical a spar to which a sail is fastened to control its position relative to the wind
a beam or spar pivoting at the foot of the mast of a derrick, controlling the distance from the mast at which a load is lifted or lowered
a pole, usually extensible, carrying an overhead microphone and projected over a film or television set
  1. a barrier across a waterway, usually consisting of a chain of connected floating logs, to confine free-floating logs, protect a harbour from attack, etc
  2. the area so barred off

Word Origin for boom

C16: from Dutch boom tree, beam

Idioms and Phrases with boom

boom

see lower the boom.