boomerang

A boomerang is a throwing implement, traditionally made of wood, designed to travel in a curved path and, in the returning variety, to come back near the thrower. Returning boomerangs are shaped to generate differential lift on their two wings, producing a curved trajectory when spun rapidly.

Most returning boomerangs have an airfoil cross-section and a bent or V-shaped planform. Non-returning throwing sticks, found in various cultures, are usually straight or gently curved and are used for hunting, signaling, or sport.

Flight depends on spin, wing shape, and release technique. A high angular velocity stabilizes the boomerang gyroscopically; the wind and the angle of release cause asymmetric lift that bends the path. Accurate throwing requires practice to achieve the proper spin, pitch, and edge orientation.

The returning boomerang has deep roots in Indigenous Australian cultures, where it has been used for hunting, flight demonstration, and ceremonial purposes for thousands of years. Similar tools appear in other parts of the world, though the designs and purposes vary.

In modern times, boomerangs are used in sport and education, with clubs and official competitions that test distance, accuracy, and the ability to return. Materials range from traditional hardwoods to lightweight composites and plastics, with practice models often made from foam.