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
Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 3 Dec. 2025
The products, primarily made from aluminum, brass, or aluminum alloys, known as Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium, failed FDA and partner state tests—designed to imitate regular cooking scenarios—prompting this regulatory action.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025
With walls reminiscent of the Surrealist hammered brass jewels that have become a signature of creative director Daniel Roseberry’s tenure, the gold-and-black decor is inspired by the house’s historic salons, originally designed by Jean-Michel Frank for Elsa Schiaparelli.
—Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 1 Dec. 2025
The company reports that the percentage of units sold in the brass sliders category that were produced using AcroPlating technology increased to 27 percent in FY2024, an increase of three points year-on-year.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 1 Dec. 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
Rooms are decked out in rich textiles and brass finishes evoking old-world glamour.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 3 Dec. 2025
The products, primarily made from aluminum, brass, or aluminum alloys, known as Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium, failed FDA and partner state tests—designed to imitate regular cooking scenarios—prompting this regulatory action.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025
With walls reminiscent of the Surrealist hammered brass jewels that have become a signature of creative director Daniel Roseberry’s tenure, the gold-and-black decor is inspired by the house’s historic salons, originally designed by Jean-Michel Frank for Elsa Schiaparelli.
—Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 1 Dec. 2025
The company reports that the percentage of units sold in the brass sliders category that were produced using AcroPlating technology increased to 27 percent in FY2024, an increase of three points year-on-year.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 1 Dec. 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 5 Dec. 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