babyboom
UK: ˈbeɪbiˌbuːm | US: ˈbeɪbiˌbuːm
n. a significant increase in birth rates, especially the post-World War II population surge in Western countries.
The term "babyboom" combines "baby" (from Middle English "babi," meaning infant) and "boom" (from Dutch "boom," meaning tree or beam, later evolving to signify a sudden expansion or growth in economics and demography). It emerged in the mid-20th century to describe the dramatic rise in births following World War II, reflecting societal optimism and economic recovery. The word's structure mirrors its meaning—literal "baby" growth exploding like a "boom."
The babyboom after WWII led to major changes in education and housing demand.
Many industries flourished during the babyboom era due to increased consumer needs.
Babyboomers are now reaching retirement age, impacting pension systems.
The babyboom generation significantly influenced cultural trends in the 1960s.
Economists study the babyboom to understand long-term demographic effects.