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a brief word

Definition of a brief word

1 :a few words :a short speech
  • I'd like to say a brief word about the people who made this event possible.
2 :a short conversation
  • I'd like to have a brief word with you.

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Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Word by Word Definitions

brief play

  1. : short in duration, extent, or length

  2. : concise

  3. : curt, abrupt

  1. : an official letter or mandate (see 1mandate 1)

  2. : a specific instruction or responsibility

  3. : a concise article (as in a newspaper)

  1. : to make an abstract or abridgment of

  2. : to give final precise instructions to

  3. : to coach thoroughly in advance

See the full definition of brief
word play

  1. : something that is said

  2. : talk, discourse

  3. : the text of a vocal musical composition

  1. : speak

  2. : to express in words : phrase

See the full definition of word

Seen and Heard

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WORD OF THE DAY

toothsome

play

agreeable, attractive, or delicious

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TRENDING NOW

  1. dotage, dotard a state or period of senile decay

  2. otherwise "in other respects"

  3. federalism Graham says bill gives power to states

  4. bodega "Don’t mess with the beloved bodega."

  5. carceral Of, relating to, or suggesting a jail or prison

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Words at Play

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Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

The word's origins are quite literal

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Let's Talk 'Tea'

Spill it, sip it: just make it hot.

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8 Words and Phrases from Boxing and Wrestling

Common terms that come from boxing and wrestling

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The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

When you push a meeting, where does it go?

Ask the Editors

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Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

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How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Don't get us started on 'bimonthly'

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Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

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Weird Plurals

One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What's up with that?

Word Games

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Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

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Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

No tricks, just difficult words.

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How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

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Add Diction

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