brass

noun

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\ ˈbras

Definition of brass

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : an alloy consisting essentially of copper and zinc in variable proportions

2a : 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)

brass

adjective

Definition of brass (Entry 2 of 2)

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

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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: Noun Mariana Kalil, a geopolitics professor at the Brazilian National War College, said the president appeared to enjoy stronger support in the lower rungs of the military than among the brass. — New York Times, "Brazil’s Armed Forces Chiefs Resign Abruptly Amid Cabinet Shake-Up," 30 Mar. 2021 In the lead up to Obama taking office, there was increasing agreement among GOP top brass and their donors that some sort of climate policy was on the horizon. — Kate Aronoff, The New Republic, "Marco Rubio Is No More Pro-Labor Than He Is Pro-Climate," 12 Mar. 2021 Trump had announced in July 2017 his intent to ban transgender troops by tweet, a move that surprised Pentagon brass. — Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, "Biden overturns Trump's ban on transgender troops in first moves for Defense Sec. Austin," 26 Jan. 2021 Meanwhile, several additional changes among NOPD brass were announced. — Ramon Antonio Vargas | Staff Writer, NOLA.com, "NOPD captain retires after 47 years on the force, prompting changes among agency brass," 22 Jan. 2021 His pick as acting defense secretary, Christopher Miller, was among the Pentagon brass that joined him at Arlington. — Anchorage Daily News, "Trump’s silent public outing for Veterans Day belies White House in tumult," 12 Nov. 2020 His pick as acting defense secretary, Christopher Miller, was among the Pentagon brass that joined him at Arlington. — Jonathan Lemire, chicagotribune.com, "Trump’s silent public outing belies a White House in tumult," 12 Nov. 2020 His pick as acting defense secretary, Christopher Miller, was among the Pentagon brass that joined him at Arlington. — Jonathan Lemire, Star Tribune, "Trump's silent public outing belies White House in tumult," 11 Nov. 2020 Less expensive silverplate is dipped in a plating of silver over brass, copper or nickel, with the thickness of the coating measured by microns. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, "How to Clean Silver Before You Set the Thanksgiving Table," 23 Oct. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'brass.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

28 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Brass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brass. Accessed 7 May. 2021.

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More Definitions for brass

brass

noun

English Language Learners Definition of brass

: a yellow metal that is made by combining copper and zinc

: musical instruments (such as trumpets, trombones, and tubas) that are made of brass

: bright metal objects made of brass

See the full definition for brass in the English Language Learners Dictionary

brass

noun

\ ˈbras

Kids Definition of brass

1 : an alloy made by combining copper and zinc

2 : the musical instruments of an orchestra or band that are usually made of brass and include the cornets, trumpets, trombones, French horns, and tubas

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