bravery

noun

brav·​ery ˈbrā-və-rē 

ˈbrāv-

plural braveries

1

: the quality or state of having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty : the quality or state of being brave : courage

showing bravery under fire

2

a

: fine clothes

wearing their Sunday bravery

b

: showy display

… the streets strewed with flowers and full of pageantry, banners, and bravery.

—John Evelyn

Synonyms

• gayety
• attire
• finery
• costume
• best bib and tucker
• best
• gaiety
• regalia
• full dress
• glad rags
• frippery

Examples of bravery in a Sentence

He received a medal for bravery.

children in their Sunday bravery

Recent Examples on the Web

And the ones in Norway are especially interesting because a lot of them in the north focus on outdoor living, Arctic survival and the use of Alaskan huskies to teach bravery, self-confidence. —Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 31 July 2025

Ajax should always be able to bring on youth players with bravery. —Liam Twomey, New York Times, 30 July 2025

His stories about evading German gunfire amassed Larson more than 1.2 million followers who admired his bravery during the war, his unwavering kindness and his easy smile. —Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 22 July 2025

The Courage Project is designed to honor everyday acts of civic bravery that safeguard democracy and strengthen community life. —Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 20 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French braverie "bravado, challenge, audacity," from braver "to challenge, flout, brave entry 2" + -erie -ery

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bravery

• knavery
• savory
• slavery
• antislavery
• proslavery
• unsavory

Kids Definition

bravery

noun

brav·​ery ˈbrāv-(ə-)rē 

plural braveries

1

: the quality or state of being brave : fearlessness

2

a

: fine clothes

b

: impressive or showy display