a curved piece of wood; when properly thrown will return to thrower
"The old boomerang I found in the shed returned to my hand after only ten feet, proving it was still functional."
A flat curved airfoil, that spins about an axis perpendicular to the direction of flight, originally used in various parts of the world as a hunting weapon or, in returnable types, for sports or training.
"The pilot adjusted the spinning boomerang before releasing it from the glider to test its aerodynamic stability during the high-altitude maneuver."
return to the initial position from where it came; like a boomerang
"After he left for college, his parents were surprised when he suddenly moved back in with them."
To return or rebound unexpectedly, especially when the result is undesired; to backfire.
"The campaign manager warned that their aggressive ad targeting might boomerang and make the candidate look out of touch with younger voters."
The word boomerang is borrowed from the Dharug language, where it originally referred to a curved throwing stick used by Indigenous Australians.