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
PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
Shough, who has a lengthy injury history, must stay healthy enough to give himself a chance to win over the Saints’ brass.
—Jeff Howe, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
Each statue can cost up $200,000, must be life-sized and made of marble, granite, bronze, copper, or brass.
—Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
One of my favorite places in town, dating back to 1958 is
Pat’s Steakhouse, set on two floors of a 150-year-old coach house with décor of dark woods, brass chandeliers, Waterford crystal, hundreds of old photos and white tablecloths, along with a wall of more than 60 bourbons.
—John Mariani, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brass
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
This track is packed with instruments, yet the strings, brass, and vocals all feel distinct.
—PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
Shough, who has a lengthy injury history, must stay healthy enough to give himself a chance to win over the Saints’ brass.
—Jeff Howe, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
Each statue can cost up $200,000, must be life-sized and made of marble, granite, bronze, copper, or brass.
—Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
One of my favorite places in town, dating back to 1958 is
Pat’s Steakhouse, set on two floors of a 150-year-old coach house with décor of dark woods, brass chandeliers, Waterford crystal, hundreds of old photos and white tablecloths, along with a wall of more than 60 bourbons.
—John Mariani, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 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 6 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share