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
Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Khaite’s signature Empire hardware, hand‑polished brass with an 18K gold finish, lends some subtle glamour to the front flap.
—Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 2 Sep. 2025
Her idea was to clip the corner of the room, creating a vestibule with cast glass and antique brass frames.
—Keith Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2025
The Panthers have put a lot of pressure on McMillan — and really, Xavier Legette — with the Thielen trade, and this year’s first-round pick will need to step up to reward the brass for the vote of confidence.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brass
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Noun
Its two yellow carriages, dating back to the 1920s, feature vintage wooden benches, brass fittings, and dials.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Khaite’s signature Empire hardware, hand‑polished brass with an 18K gold finish, lends some subtle glamour to the front flap.
—Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 2 Sep. 2025
Her idea was to clip the corner of the room, creating a vestibule with cast glass and antique brass frames.
—Keith Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2025
The Panthers have put a lot of pressure on McMillan — and really, Xavier Legette — with the Thielen trade, and this year’s first-round pick will need to step up to reward the brass for the vote of confidence.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 2 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 11 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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