brass

1 of 2

noun

ˈbras 

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)

brass

2 of 2

adjective

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

Noun

• audaciousness
• audacity
• brashness
• brassiness
• brazenness
• cheek
• cheekiness
• chutzpah
• chutzpa
• hutzpah
• hutzpa
• crust
• effrontery
• face
• gall
• nerve
• nerviness
• pertness
• presumption
• presumptuousness
• sauce
• sauciness
• temerity

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

The trinkets and knick knacks are beautifully curated and, yes, many of them are brass animal collectibles. —Kayleigh Ruller, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2024

The unit has a black frame with two woven rattan drawers at the front, each adorned with a brass knob for an elegant touch. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 31 Mar. 2024

Even inexpensive, imitation Tiffany-style light fixtures feature beautiful colors, signature dragonflies, and brass bases like the million-dollar originals. —Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Mar. 2024

The firm incorporated many raw materials, such as seamless concrete, maple wood, exposed brick, and lime plaster, and paired them against sleeker materials and finishes that include honed and polished marble, glass, and brass accents. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2024

The interiors are reminiscent of yachts, with plenty of rich wood and brass accents. —Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 26 Mar. 2024

Behind her, the Polo Club gleamed the dull gleam of brass and mahogany, feather dusters and floor wax. —Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2024

Most of all, O’Leary rightly worries that the top airline brass don’t have their hands on the levers and valves that power the factory floor. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2024

Named for its intricate brass espresso maker that serves custom-roasted coffee and Italian-style espresso, this spot is a surprising treat in a town of about 14,000. —Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 25 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English bras, from Old English bræs; akin to Middle Low German bras metal

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing brass

• (as) bold as brass
• brass band
• brass collar Democrat
• brass hat
• brass instrument
• brass knuckles
• brass ring
• brass section
• brass tacks
• get down to brass tacks
• go for the brass ring
• grab the brass ring
• the brass ring
• top brass

Kids Definition

brass

noun

ˈbras 

1

: 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