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
Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Some showerhead finishes can soak in vinegar overnight, but finishes like chrome, gold, brass, or nickel is recommended to only soak for 30 minutes to an hour to preserve the finish.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 23 May 2025
The orange hardcover book, which celebrates Made in Italy craftsmanship, was displayed throughout the store, where guests could flip through pages of photos depicting artisans working with glass, terracotta, brass and bronze, and pesto.
—Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 21 May 2025
At home, the assault is encountering more resistance not only from the Israeli public, but from some among the military brass as well.
—Dina Kraft, Christian Science Monitor, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for brass
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Noun
What To Know According to a report by ABC News on Thursday, Bisignano told the Social Security brass during the meeting that the offer to become agency commissioner nudged him to play internet detective.
—Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Some showerhead finishes can soak in vinegar overnight, but finishes like chrome, gold, brass, or nickel is recommended to only soak for 30 minutes to an hour to preserve the finish.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 23 May 2025
The orange hardcover book, which celebrates Made in Italy craftsmanship, was displayed throughout the store, where guests could flip through pages of photos depicting artisans working with glass, terracotta, brass and bronze, and pesto.
—Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 21 May 2025
At home, the assault is encountering more resistance not only from the Israeli public, but from some among the military brass as well.
—Dina Kraft, Christian Science Monitor, 20 May 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 29 May. 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
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