noun

brainwave

Brainwave (noun) means a sudden clever idea or inspiration. Example: “He had a brainwave and fixed the bug in minutes.”

noun

A sudden clever idea or inspiration.

"He had a brainwave and fixed the bug in minutes."

A rhythmic pattern of electrical activity in the brain, as measured by an EEG.

"The device tracks brainwave activity during sleep."

How to Use Brainwave

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither a flash of inspiration, or the measurable electrical activity of the brain.

UK vs US

The "sudden good idea" sense is more common in British English; Americans more often say "brainstorm."

Common pairings

have a brainwave brainwave activity

Word Forms

brainwaves plural

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He had a _____ and fixed the bug in minutes.

Synonyms

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insight brainstorm brain wave cortical potential

Related Words

knowledge understanding Wisdom insight perception intuition Epiphany brainstorm

Rhymes for brainwave

ave gave save have wave cave nave pave rave fave Dave weave

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “brainwave” mean?

The word “brainwave” means a sudden clever idea or inspiration. In plain terms, either a flash of inspiration, or the measurable electrical activity of the brain.

How do you use “brainwave” in a sentence?

Here is “brainwave” used in a sentence: “He had a brainwave and fixed the bug in minutes.”

What part of speech is “brainwave”?

“Brainwave” is a noun.

How many meanings does “brainwave” have?

“Brainwave” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sudden clever idea or inspiration.

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knowledge understanding Wisdom insight perception intuition Epiphany brainstorm