brownnose
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.


brown·nose

transitive verb \ˈbra(n)-ˌnōz\

Definition of BROWNNOSE

: to ingratiate oneself with : curry favor with
brownnose noun
brown·nos·er noun

Examples of BROWNNOSE

  1. He has been brownnosing everyone in the company just to get a bigger office.

Origin of BROWNNOSE

from the implication that servility is equivalent to having one's nose in the anus of the person from whom advancement is sought
First Known Use: circa 1939

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: brown oak
Previous Word in the Dictionary: brownness
All Words Near: brownnose

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up brownnose? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Name That Thing

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

Get Our Free Apps
Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More
Join Us on FB & Twitter
Get the Word of the Day and More