boomerang

Pronunciation: /ˈbuːməɹæŋ/

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a curved piece of wood; when properly thrown will return to thrower
  2. noun a miscalculation that recoils on its maker
  3. verb return to the initial position from where it came; like a boomerang

Etymology

Origin uncertain. Possibly from Thurawal. Long regarded as from the Sydney language, but early evidence unclear. The form boo-mer-it is glossed, c.1790, as 'scimeter' (i.e., scimitar) and the word bumarang, bumarañ is not explicitly recorded in the Sydney Language until 1903.

In classic literature

Synonyms

throwing stick, throw stick

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
projectile
Narrower (hyponyms)
kylie

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