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
Synonyms
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
Lauren Finney Harden, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2024
The 49ers’ brass — owner Jed York, coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch – all insisted at last month’s league meeting in Florida that the 49ers plan to reward Aiyuk and keep him long term.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for brass 
Noun
Handcrafted and dotted with antique brass hardware, Dad will love its quiet sophistication.
—Lauren Finney Harden, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2024
The 49ers’ brass — owner Jed York, coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch – all insisted at last month’s league meeting in Florida that the 49ers plan to reward Aiyuk and keep him long term.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for brass
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brass.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near brass
Cite this Entry
“Brass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brass. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
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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