1
: an alloy consisting essentially of copper and zinc in variable proportions
2
a
: the brass instruments of an orchestra or band
—often used in plural
b
: a usually brass memorial tablet
c
: bright metal fittings, utensils, or ornaments
d
: empty cartridge shells
3
: brazen self-assurance : gall
4
singular or plural in construction
a
: high-ranking members of the military
b
: persons in high positions (as in a business or the government)
1
: made of brass
a brass cannon
see also brass ring, brass tacks
2
: made up of or composed for brass musical instruments
the band's brass section
see also brass band
Examples of brass in a Sentence
Noun
a candlestick made of brass
The whole orchestra—the strings, percussion, woodwinds, and brass—began to play.
The brasses began to play.
polishing the brass and the silver
Recent Examples on the Web
Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025
In the spirit of functionality and the chair’s utilitarian history, brass buckles secure both the leather back and seat.
—Elissa Suh, Architectural Digest, 17 Sep. 2025
Abrasive cleaners like Bar Keepers Friend and acids like lemon or vinegar will remove the patina on brass.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2025
Some perky-looking musical notes, in brass, were affixed to railings.
—D. T. Max, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brass
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Noun
Display copper mugs on open shelves and trade in wood frames for brass ones to hold photos and art prints.
—Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025
In the spirit of functionality and the chair’s utilitarian history, brass buckles secure both the leather back and seat.
—Elissa Suh, Architectural Digest, 17 Sep. 2025
Abrasive cleaners like Bar Keepers Friend and acids like lemon or vinegar will remove the patina on brass.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2025
Some perky-looking musical notes, in brass, were affixed to railings.
—D. T. Max, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brass
Cite this Entry
“Brass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brass. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
brass
noun1
: an alloy containing copper and zinc
2
: the reddish yellow color of brass
3
: the brass instruments of a band or orchestra
—often used in plural
4
: bright metal ornaments, fixtures, or utensils
5
: bold self-assurance : gall
6
: high-ranking officers especially in the armed forces
brass
adjective
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