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
Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024
Sail-like brass screens set it off from circular Orla Bar, but the oversized screens are see-through to maintain the space’s open flow.
—Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
Finish with brass bar accessories and a large bouquet of red and burgundy flowers.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2024
Previous indications ahead of the Lattimore deal were that the Commanders believe their window for contention opened up much quicker than the brass initially thought.
—Vincent Frank, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for brass 
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Noun
Early 17th century graves at Jamestown are traditionally unmarked, so the discovery of the tombstone — engraved to commemorate a knighthood and once decorated with brass inlays — is rare for this period, Hartley added.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024
Sail-like brass screens set it off from circular Orla Bar, but the oversized screens are see-through to maintain the space’s open flow.
—Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
Finish with brass bar accessories and a large bouquet of red and burgundy flowers.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2024
Previous indications ahead of the Lattimore deal were that the Commanders believe their window for contention opened up much quicker than the brass initially thought.
—Vincent Frank, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for brass
Dictionary Entries Near brass
Cite this Entry
“Brass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brass. Accessed 22 Nov. 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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