think tank

Definition

A group of people who collectively perform research and develop reports and recommendations on topics relating to strategic planning or public policy, and which is usually funded by corporate, government, or special interests.

Etymology

From the use of think tank or think box in the 19th century to refer to the human brain.

Example Sentences

• "Why don't we take a leaf out of the government's book and have a think tank?"
• "As 1965 drew to a close a secret research project for the United States Department of Defense was concluded by a ‘think-tank’ of seven psychologists at the American Institute for Research, in the Maryland woods outside Washington, DC."
• "“Who could believe that the head of a think tank doesn’t think?” said Charles Jacobs, the president of the Jewish Leadership Project, which resigned from a Heritage Foundation task force meant to fight antisemitism after Mr. [Kevin D.] Roberts’s video was released."