boom
boom
Boom (verb) means to make a loud, deep, resonant sound. Example: “Thunder boomed across the valley.”
verb
1
To make a loud, deep, resonant sound.
"Thunder boomed across the valley."
"The cannon boomed from the castle wall at noon."
"His deep voice boomed through the empty hall."
2
To grow or thrive rapidly, especially economically.
"The tech sector boomed throughout the decade."
"Business boomed in the little seaside town every summer."
"Once the new factory opened, local shops began to boom."
noun
1
A sudden period of rapid growth or prosperity.
"The housing boom pushed prices up in every city."
"The town enjoyed a boom after the new railway line opened."
"Every economic boom is eventually followed by a slower period."
2
A long pole used to extend or support something, such as a sail, microphone, or crane load.
"The camera crew swung the boom mic just out of frame."
"The sailor ducked as the boom swung across the deck."
"A crane lowered the heavy crate with its long boom."
How to use boom
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA loud deep noise, or a sudden surge of growth or success.
Common mistake
Don't confuse the economic "boom" with "boon" (a benefit) — they sound similar but mean different things.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
economic boom
baby boom
boom and bust
sonic boom
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- booms
- Past tense
- boomed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Thunder _____ across the valley.
Etymology
Imitative in origin, echoing a deep, hollow sound; the economic sense of "rapid growth" likely grew out of the idea of things suddenly expanding, as in a loud burst.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for boom
See all rhymes for boom →Frequently asked questions
What does “boom” mean?
The word “boom” means to make a loud, deep, resonant sound. In plain terms, a loud deep noise, or a sudden surge of growth or success.
How do you pronounce “boom”?
“Boom” is pronounced boom (/bum/ in IPA).
How do you use “boom” in a sentence?
Here is “boom” used in a sentence: “Thunder boomed across the valley.”
What part of speech is “boom”?
Depending on how it is used, “boom” can be a verb and a noun.
Is “boom” a common word?
“Boom” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “boom” have?
“Boom” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make a loud, deep, resonant sound.
What is the difference between a "boom" and a "bang"?
A boom is a loud, deep, resonant sound that echoes or lingers, such as distant thunder or an explosion. A bang is sharper and more sudden, like a door slamming or a single gunshot.
When should you use "boom" instead of "grow" for an economy?
Use "boom" when growth is rapid, strong, and often sudden, as in "the housing market is booming." "Grow" is the neutral, general term and can describe slow or steady increases as well.
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