brazen

play

adjective bra·zen \ˈbrā-z^ən\

Definition of brazen

1 : made of brass drinking from brazen cups
2a : sounding harsh and loud like struck brass the horrible brazen voice of the fire bell — Elmer Davisb : of the color of polished brass
3 : marked by shameless or disrespectful boldness a brazen disregard for the rules

brazenly

adverb

brazenness

play \ˈbrā-z^ən-(n)əs\ noun

See brazen defined for English-language learners

See brazen defined for kids

Examples of brazen in a Sentence

He exhibited a brazen disregard for other people's feelings.
a brazen demand for special treatment just because she's rich

Recent Examples of brazen from the Web

Saudi actions in this regard are so embarrassing and brazen that Western nations won’t even let themselves be heard discussing them intelligibly.

— michael brendan dougherty, National Review, "Our Relationship with Saudi Arabia Is an Embarrassment," 20 July 2017
The second part of her statement is equally brazen.

— aaron blake, Washington Post, "Kellyanne Conway just set the modern record for political spin," 14 July 2017
To this brazen measuring of ethnic and cultural heritage, Sam Kirk adds a third element of identity: gender.

— lori waxman, chicagotribune.com, "National Museum of Mexican Art celebrates its 30th with a protest party," 5 July 2017
Virginia and California were more brazen in their response.

— judson berger, Fox News, "Dem state officials refusing to cooperate with Trump voter fraud probe," 30 June 2017
Tuesday's finale found Alex attempting her most brazen impersonation of Spencer - at Aria's wedding.

— the washington post, cleveland.com, "Who is A.D.? 'Pretty Little Liars' reveals villain's identity in series finale," 28 June 2017
Among hard-boiled fraud investigators in Miami, the strange and circuitous case of Dr. Mendez-Villamil stands out as a monument to criminal innovation, brazen defiance, and greed.

— warren richey, The Christian Science Monitor, "An epic case of medical fraud – and the agent who cracked it," 21 June 2017
A Burbank bicycle shop was the target of a brazen theft early Monday morning after someone broke through the store’s window and walked away with a pair of bikes.

— andy nguyen, Burbank Leader, "Thief caught on tape brazenly breaking into and stealing from Burbank bicycle shop," 20 June 2017
Police have made an arrest in a brazen homicide from last week, one investigators say was rooted in an ongoing feud between the suspect and victim.

— vinny vella, courant.com, "Hartford Police Make Arrest In June Homicide," 20 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'brazen.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of brazen

Middle English brasen, from Old English bræsen, from bræs brass

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

Other Color Terms

argentine, cerise, cerulean, cyan, ocher, perse, puce, taupe, vermilion

brazen

verb bra·zen

Definition of brazen

brazened

;

brazening

play \ˈbrāz-niŋ, ˈbrā-z^ən-iŋ\

transitive verb
: to face with defiance or impudence —usually used in the phrase brazen it out

See brazen defined for English-language learners

Examples of brazen in a Sentence

a filmmaker willing to brazen the criticism that such a violent film was sure to provoke

Origin and Etymology of brazen

see ¹brazen

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1555

See Words from the same year

BRAZEN Defined for English Language Learners

brazen

play

adjective

Definition of brazen for English Language Learners

: acting or done in a very open and shocking way without shame or embarrassment

BRAZEN Defined for Kids

brazen

play

adjective bra·zen \ˈbrā-z^ən\

Definition of brazen for Students

1 : made of brass
2 : sounding loud and usually harsh brazen voices
3 : done or acting in a very bold and shocking way without shame He's a brazen liar.