boom

A boom is a loud sound. Explosive devices make this kind of a sound.

• Fireworks go boom when they are ignited.
• There was a loud boom that came from a house down the street. It had a gas leak and exploded.
• The sound of a boom from a large bomb can be felt and heard from a great distance.

The word "boom" is used for other things that make sound or record sound:

• A boom box is a large portable stereo.
• Boom boxes became popular in the 1980s, but they are still in use today.

• A boom microphone is used when recording sound for film or television.
• He’s holding a boom mic.

There are other uses for the word "boom" that don’t involve sound. Sometimes we use "boom" to describe a sudden expansion.

• Many cities in the United States are experiencing an economic boom. The sudden emergence of new businesses, new housing, and new infrastructure spending are evidence of a boom.
• A housing boom often occurs during good economic times. People can afford to buy existing houses or build new ones.
• A population boom in poor countries can cause housing shortages and put pressure on food supplies.
• A baby boom in the United States started shortly after World War II and lasted until the early 60s. People born during that time are referred to as baby boomers.

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This page was published on June 2, 2017.