bravery

noun

brav·​ery ˈbrā-və-rē 

ˈbrāv-

plural braveries

1

: the quality or state of having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty : the quality or state of being brave : courage

showing bravery under fire

2

a

: fine clothes

wearing their Sunday bravery

b

: showy display

… the streets strewed with flowers and full of pageantry, banners, and bravery.

—John Evelyn

Synonyms

• gayety
• attire
• finery
• costume
• best bib and tucker
• best
• gaiety
• regalia
• full dress
• glad rags
• frippery

Examples of bravery in a Sentence

He received a medal for bravery.

children in their Sunday bravery

Recent Examples on the Web

As for most of the tournament, Sinner’s first-serve percentage hovered around 50, and Auger-Aliassime took the initiative with flashing forehands and the bravery to go after his shots in baseline rallies. —Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025

Despite Weston’s bravery in the face of deadly violence, Halsne told NBC that his son is now afraid to be alone. —Andy Rose, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2025

Cunningham joined the Navy in 1967, at the height of the Vietnam War, and began a flying career that landed him the coveted Navy Cross and a pair of Silver Stars for extraordinary bravery. —Jeff McDonald, Mercury News, 29 Aug. 2025

During a Thursday news conference, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara recounted the bravery of the first officers on scene. —Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French braverie "bravado, challenge, audacity," from braver "to challenge, flout, brave entry 2" + -erie -ery

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bravery

• knavery
• savory
• slavery
• antislavery
• proslavery
• unsavory

Kids Definition

bravery

noun

brav·​ery ˈbrāv-(ə-)rē 

plural braveries

1

: the quality or state of being brave : fearlessness

2

a

: fine clothes

b

: impressive or showy display