boomerang

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

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