brush

noun \ ˈbrəsh \

Definition of brush

1 : brushwood

2 a : scrub vegetation

b : land covered with scrub vegetation

Origin and Etymology of brush

Middle English brusch, from an Anglo-French form akin to Old French broce brushwood, Medieval Latin brusca

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

brush

noun

Definition of brush

1 : a device composed of bristles typically set into a handle and used especially for sweeping, smoothing, scrubbing, or painting

2 : something resembling a brush: such as

a : a bushy tail

b : a feather tuft worn on a hat

3 : an electrical conductor that makes sliding contact between a stationary and a moving part (as of a generator or a motor)

4 a : an act of brushing

b : a quick light touch or momentary contact in passing

Origin and Etymology of brush

Middle English brusshe, from an Anglo-French form akin to Middle French broisse

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

brush

verb

Definition of brush

transitive verb

1 a : to apply a brush to

b : to apply with a brush

2 a : to remove with passing strokes (as of a brush)

b : to dispose of in an offhand way : dismiss

brushed him off

3 : to pass lightly over or across : touch gently against in passing

—

brusher

noun

First Known Use of brush

15th century

brush

noun

Definition of brush

: a brief encounter or skirmish

a brush with disaster

a brush with the law

Origin and Etymology of brush

Middle English brusche rush, hostile collision, from bruschen

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

brush

verb

Definition of brush

intransitive verb

: to move lightly or heedlessly

brushed past the well-wishers waiting to greet him

Origin and Etymology of brush

Middle English bruschen to rush, probably from Middle French brosser to dash through underbrush, from broce

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1674

See Words from the same year

BRUSH Defined for Kids

brush

noun \ ˈbrəsh \

Definition of brush for Students

1 : a tool made of bristles set in a handle and used for cleaning, smoothing, or painting

2 : an act of smoothing or scrubbing with a brush

3 : a light stroke

a brush of the hand

4 : a bushy tail

brush

verb

Definition of brush for Students

brushed; brushing

1 : to scrub or smooth with a brush

Brush your hair.

2 : to remove with or as if with a brush

I brushed up the dirt.

3 : to pass lightly across

A twig brushed my cheek.

brush

noun

Definition of brush for Students

1 : branches and twigs cut from trees

2 : a heavy growth of small trees and bushes

brush

noun

Definition of brush for Students

: a brief fight or quarrel

Learn More about brush

See words that rhyme with brush Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for brush Spanish Central: Translation of brush Nglish: Translation of brush for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of brush for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about brush

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up brush? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

brush

Definition of brush

Origin and Etymology of brush

brush

Definition of brush

Origin and Etymology of brush

brush

Definition of brush

brusher

First Known Use of brush

brush

Definition of brush

Origin and Etymology of brush

brush

Definition of brush

Origin and Etymology of brush

Phrases Related to BRUSH

Related Phrases

BRUSH Defined for Kids

brush

Definition of brush for Students

brush

Definition of brush for Students

brush

Definition of brush for Students

brush

Definition of brush for Students

Learn More about brush

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes