Definition of brush
(Entry 1 of 5)
1 : brushwood
2a : scrub vegetation
b : land covered with scrub vegetation
brush
noun (2)Definition of brush (Entry 2 of 5)
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)
4a : an act of brushing
b : a quick light touch or momentary contact in passing
brush
verb (1)brushed; brushing; brushes
Definition of brush (Entry 3 of 5)
1a : to apply a brush to
b : to apply with a brush
2a : 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
brush
noun (3)Definition of brush (Entry 4 of 5)
: a brief encounter or skirmish
a brush with disaster a brush with the law
brush
verb (2)brushed; brushing; brushes
Definition of brush (Entry 5 of 5)
: to move lightly or heedlessly
brushed past the well-wishers waiting to greet him
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Spell words. Make bears.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share brush
Time Traveler for brush
The first known use of brush was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century