C1noun1K

Boom

UK /["/buːm/"]/US /["/buːm/"]/

Definition

a sudden increase in trade and economic activity; a period of wealth and success

In simple words: A loud, deep noise, like an explosion.

Examples

  • The boom in technology has transformed the way we communicate.
  • After the initial boom of the economy, there were signs of a downturn.
  • We heard a loud boom as the fireworks exploded in the sky.
  • His sudden rise to fame was a boom that surprised everyone.
  • The boom in tourism during the summer months brought many visitors.

Usage notes

Used for large explosive sounds or to describe something suddenly becoming popular. Generally appropriate in neutral contexts, but can be informal when used metaphorically (e.g., a 'business boom').

Grammar pattern

standalone noun / verb

Memory hint

Think of a 'boom' in a cartoon when something explodes!

Collocations

  • great
  • post-war
  • consumer
  • cause
  • create
  • fuel
  • period
  • time
  • year
  • during a/​the boom
  • in a/​the boom
  • boom in
  • boom and bust
  • big
  • loud
  • deep
  • hear
  • echo
  • with a boom

Synonyms

  • explosion
  • bang
  • blast
  • thunder
  • rumble

Antonyms

  • silence
  • quiet
  • calm

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'bloom', which refers to flowers opening.
  • Misused as a verb without an object when it should describe a sound.
  • Assumed to only describe loud noises without considering its metaphorical uses.