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
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
Flora Stubbs, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Traditional teak decks and antiqued brass accents are elegantly juxtaposed with contemporary furniture and lighting.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 July 2025
The sequence was set up with a head kick and follow-up punch that caught fight fans’ and the UFC brass’ attention.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Some company brass, including Charlie Hensley, who owned about 20 McAlister’s Deli locations, are nearby, residing in Carmel.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for brass
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Noun
Inside, all the tents are decorated in classic campaign style: think trunks, leather furniture, and brass light fixtures.
—Flora Stubbs, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Traditional teak decks and antiqued brass accents are elegantly juxtaposed with contemporary furniture and lighting.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 July 2025
The sequence was set up with a head kick and follow-up punch that caught fight fans’ and the UFC brass’ attention.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Some company brass, including Charlie Hensley, who owned about 20 McAlister’s Deli locations, are nearby, residing in Carmel.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for brass
Cite this Entry
“Brass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brass. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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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