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 of brass

Noun

• nerve
• gall
• arrogance

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

Presented with a fictional worst-case scenario, the real-life counterparts in the military brass and inside NORAD began to look seriously into safeguards. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 2 Mar. 2026

But winds and brasses were sometimes out of proportion to the solo part’s sound world. —Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 1 Mar. 2026

While researching inspiration for his latest jewelry creations, Fernando Jorge was struck by an image of a kalabubu, a bold collar worn by warriors from Indonesia’s Nias people that is traditionally made from coconut shell and brass. —Jill Newman, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2026

Of course, as a product of Patrick Mahomes’ alma mater, Texas Tech, Bailey should feel welcome meeting with Chiefs brass. —Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 28 Feb. 2026

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

Rhymes for brass

• ass
• bass
• bras
• casse
• chasse
• class
• crass
• das
• dass
• frass
• gas
• lass

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