boomerang

noun

boo·​mer·​ang ˈbü-mə-ˌraŋ How to pronounce boomerang (audio)
1
: a bent or angular throwing club typically flat on one side and rounded on the other so that it soars or curves in flight
especially : one designed to return near the thrower
2
: an act or utterance that backfires on its originator
boomerang intransitive verb

Examples of boomerang in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web On March 12, Brittany took to her Instagram Stories to wish her hubby a happy anniversary, with a series of throwback photos as well as boomerangs from the day, in a tone that is surprisingly earnest for the usually snarky personality. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2024 The lights were described as bright, steady and in a V-shaped or boomerang formation. The Arizona Republic, 13 Mar. 2024 As young workers job hop to advance their careers, some companies are adapting to a new normal of boomerang hires. Paige McGlauflin, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2024 On the other hand, how cool does that boomerang look? Olivia McCormack, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2024 From accommodating aging parents, boomerang kids, home schooling, a home gym and other distinctive needs, the suite is completely flexible and the possibilities are endless. Bang Advertising Staff and Correspondents, The Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2024 Her story also included a boomerang of her anniversary flowers and balloon arrangement, as well as a collage of pictures from their wedding. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2024 Deja vu Cox suggests hiring managers should capitalize on a habit already established in the workforce: boomerang employees. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2024 This Flying Orb Ball hovers, spins, and returns like a boomerang, capturing everyone’s attention with its bright and colorful glow. Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'boomerang.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Dharuk (Australian aboriginal language of the Port Jackson area) bumarinʸ

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of boomerang was in 1824

Dictionary Entries Near boomerang

Cite this Entry

“Boomerang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boomerang. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

boomerang

1 of 2 noun
boo·​mer·​ang
ˈbü-mə-ˌraŋ
: a curved club that can be thrown so as to return to the thrower

boomerang

2 of 2 verb
Etymology

the native word for this club in Australia

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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