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

There’s a Sunset Boulevard sense of glamour when descending them, amplified by thin brass treads and pendant chandeliers overhead that recall the sputnik starburst chandeliers at the Metropolitan Opera. —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 9 Feb. 2026

The ballroom made for a fitting backdrop, with its antique brass chandeliers and faded floral frescoes. —Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026

Vintage brass, Pyrex, and midcentury modern pieces are always in demand. —Cori Sears, The Spruce, 9 Feb. 2026

The ivory color goes with everything, and adds an air of elevated sophistication with the help of its antique brass hardware. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 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