Boom /(bo͡om)/

Boom

n.
  1. A long pole or spar, run out for the purpose of extending the bottom of a particular sail; as, the jib boom, the studding-sail boom, etc. (Naut.)
  2. A long spar or beam, projecting from the mast of a derrick, from the outer end of which the body to be lifted is suspended. (Mech.)
  3. A pole with a conspicuous top, set up to mark the channel in a river or harbor. [Obs.]
  4. A strong chain cable, or line of spars bound together, extended across a river or the mouth of a harbor, to obstruct navigation or passage. (Mil. & Naval)
  5. A line of connected floating timbers stretched across a river, or inclosing an area of water, to keep saw logs, etc., from floating away. (Lumbering)

Phrases & Compounds

Boom iron
one of the iron rings on the yards through which the studding-sail booms traverse.
The booms
that space on the upper deck of a ship between the foremast and mainmast, where the boats, spare spars, etc., are stowed.

Boom

v. t.
  1. To extend, or push, with a boom or pole; as, to boom out a sail; to boom off a boat. (Naut.)

Boom

v. i.

imp. & p. p. Boomed; p. pr. & vb. n. Booming

  1. To cry with a hollow note; to make a hollow sound, as the bittern, and some insects.
    At eve the beetle boometh Athwart the thicket lone.
  2. To make a hollow sound, as of waves or cannon.
    Alarm guns booming through the night air.
  3. To rush with violence and noise, as a ship under a press of sail, before a free wind.
    She comes booming down before it.
    — Totten.
  4. To have a rapid growth in market value or in popular favor; to go on rushingly.

Boom

n.
  1. A hollow roar, as of waves or cannon; also, the hollow cry of the bittern; a booming.
  2. A strong and extensive advance, with more or less noisy excitement; -- applied colloquially or humorously to market prices, the demand for stocks or commodities and to political chances of aspirants to office; as, a boom in the stock market; a boom in coffee. [Colloq. U. S.]

Boom

v. t.
  1. To cause to advance rapidly in price; as, to boom railroad or mining shares; to create a “boom” for; as to boom Mr. C. for senator. [Colloq. U. S.]