Collins English-English Dictionary

boom [buːm]

1. 1. vb to make a deep prolonged resonant sound, as of thunder or artillery fire

2. 2. vb to prosper or cause to prosper vigorously and rapidly

   business boomed

3. 3. n a deep prolonged resonant sound

   the boom of the sea

4. 4. n the cry of certain animals, esp the bittern

5. 5. n a period of high economic growth characterized by rising wages, profits, and prices, full employment, and high levels of investment, trade, and other economic activity - Compare depression

6. 6. n [Etymology] C15: perhaps from Dutch bommen, of imitative origin

boom [buːm]

1. 1. n [nautical] a spar to which a sail is fastened to control its position relative to the wind

2. 2. n a beam or spar pivoting at the foot of the mast of a derrick, controlling the distance from the mast at which a load is lifted or lowered

3. 3. n a pole, usually extensible, carrying an overhead microphone and projected over a film or television set

4. 4. n a barrier across a waterway, usually consisting of a chain of connected floating logs, to confine free-floating logs, protect a harbour from attack, etc

5. 5. n the area so barred off

6. 6. n [Etymology] C16: from Dutch boom tree, beam