noun

boomerang

BOO-muh-rang

noun

A curved throwing stick, traditionally used by Aboriginal Australians, that can be made to fly in a circular path and return to the thrower.

"He practiced for weeks before his boomerang finally came back to him."

verb

To come back unexpectedly, especially with an undesired effect; to backfire.

"Her harsh comment boomeranged back on her when the truth came out."

How to Use Boomerang

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA curved throwing weapon designed to return to the thrower, or, figuratively, something that comes back to affect its source.

Common pairings

boomerang effect boomerang kid

boomeranged past tense, boomerangs plural, boomerangs singular

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He practiced for weeks before his _____ finally came back to him.

Origin uncertain, but likely from an Aboriginal Australian language; early English spellings of the word appear from around 1790.