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
Synonyms
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
David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2024
Many sprinkler heads are constructed from hard-wearing and durable ABS plastic or metals such as brass or stainless steel.
—Kat De Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2024
Some on the higher floors, even have exposed beam ceilings and free-standing tubs with brass faucets.
—Vogue, 8 July 2024
The most moving songs in Beck’s orchestral repertoire tend to begin with strings and add brass at a key dramatic chorus moment.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 8 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for brass 
Noun
That level of disruption could also be just enough to get Grier and his brass to budge early in training camp should the problem bleed into late July.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2024
Many sprinkler heads are constructed from hard-wearing and durable ABS plastic or metals such as brass or stainless steel.
—Kat De Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2024
Some on the higher floors, even have exposed beam ceilings and free-standing tubs with brass faucets.
—Vogue, 8 July 2024
The most moving songs in Beck’s orchestral repertoire tend to begin with strings and add brass at a key dramatic chorus moment.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 8 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for brass
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brass.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near brass
Cite this Entry
“Brass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brass. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
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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