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noun

boomerang

BOO-muh-rang

Boomerang (noun) means a curved throwing stick, traditionally used by Aboriginal Australians, that can be made to fly in a circular path and return to the thrower. Example: “He practiced for weeks before his boomerang finally came back to him.”

noun
1
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
1
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

Word forms

boomeranged past tense, boomerangs plural, boomerangs singular

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

Etymology

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

· First attested 1790

Class of 1790 boomerang joined the language around 1790.
See the full Class of 1790 →
backfire throw stick throwing stick

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “boomerang” mean?

The word “boomerang” means a curved throwing stick, traditionally used by Aboriginal Australians, that can be made to fly in a circular path and return to the thrower. In plain terms, a curved throwing weapon designed to return to the thrower, or, figuratively, something that comes back to affect its source.

How do you pronounce “boomerang”?

“Boomerang” is pronounced BOO-muh-rang (/ˈbuːməɹæŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “boomerang” in a sentence?

Here is “boomerang” used in a sentence: “He practiced for weeks before his boomerang finally came back to him.”

What part of speech is “boomerang”?

Depending on how it is used, “boomerang” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “boomerang” come from?

The word “boomerang” dates back to around 1790. Origin uncertain, but likely from an Aboriginal Australian language; early English spellings of the word appear from around 1790.

How many meanings does “boomerang” have?

“Boomerang” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a curved throwing stick, traditionally used by Aboriginal Australians, that can be made to fly in a circular path and return to the thrower.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial