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

Before the memo to Western Global’s employees was released, FedEx brass was more optimistic about the situation. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 26 Nov. 2025

Ketchup can remove light tarnish and brighten up old silver, as well as brass and copper. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2025

There are hanging brass bells, inspired by the house’s Equestrian Knight Design, and baubles handmade by a British glassblower. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 25 Nov. 2025

This classic chef’s oven adds a dose of holiday cheer to the kitchen with its holly-leaf detailing, brass hardware, and seasonal shades like bright cerise, pine green, and matte white. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Nov. 2025

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