boomerang: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral, used in both informal and formal contexts depending on the metaphorical extension.
Quick answer
What does “boomerang” mean?
A curved, flat wooden tool, traditionally used by Aboriginal Australians for hunting, that can be thrown so that it returns to the thrower.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A curved, flat wooden tool, traditionally used by Aboriginal Australians for hunting, that can be thrown so that it returns to the thrower.
Something (a plan, action, or object) that returns or recoils upon the originator, often with negative consequences; to return in such a manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both use the object and metaphorical senses.
Connotations
The object is universally associated with Australian Aboriginal culture. The metaphor implies an unexpected or ironic rebound.
Frequency
The metaphorical verb sense might be slightly more frequent in political/business journalism.
Grammar
How to Use “boomerang” in a Sentence
The plan boomeranged (on him).His criticism boomeranged.to boomerang on someoneVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “boomerang” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- His attempt to spread rumours about a colleague boomeranged spectacularly, and he lost the trust of his entire team.
- The policy has boomeranged on the government, causing protests instead of quelling them.
American English
- The attack ad boomeranged, making voters sympathetic to the opponent.
- Her dishonest scheme boomeranged, and she was the one who got fired.
adverb
British English
- (Rare/Non-standard. Typically not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Rare/Non-standard. Typically not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- The 'boomerang generation' faces unique financial pressures.
- They studied the boomerang effect in social psychology.
American English
- He's a boomerang kid, moving back home after college.
- The campaign had an unexpected boomerang impact.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The aggressive marketing tactic boomeranged, damaging our brand's reputation."
Academic
"The study examined the boomerang effect in environmental messaging, where strong warnings can reduce compliance."
Everyday
"I tried to play a trick on my sister, but it boomeranged and I ended up looking silly."
Technical
"The non-returning boomerang, or 'kylie', was used as a hunting weapon."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “boomerang”
- Using it only as a noun. Incorrect: 'The effect was boomerang.' Correct: 'The effect was like a boomerang' or 'The plan boomeranged.'
- Misspelling: 'boomerang' (correct), 'bumerang' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Returning boomerangs are for sport or practice. Traditional hunting boomerangs (kylies) are non-returning and designed for straight-line flight to hit prey.
Yes, commonly. It means for an action to recoil or backfire on the person who initiated it, e.g., 'His lie boomeranged on him.'
A sociological term for young adults who return to live in their parents' home after a period of independence, often for economic reasons.
Overwhelmingly negative. It describes an unintended, adverse consequence rebounding onto the originator.
A curved, flat wooden tool, traditionally used by Aboriginal Australians for hunting, that can be thrown so that it returns to the thrower.
Boomerang is usually neutral, used in both informal and formal contexts depending on the metaphorical extension. in register.
Boomerang: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbuː.mə.ræŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbuː.mə.ræŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Come back like a boomerang”
- “Boomerang effect”
- “Boomerang generation (adult children returning to live with parents)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think BOOMerang: a plan that goes BOOM and comes back to hit you.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACTIONS ARE OBJECTS THAT CAN RETURN TO THEIR SOURCE. / NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES ARE PHYSICAL REBOUNDS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'boomerang' used metaphorically?