Brass Meaning

/bɹɑːs/
B2

Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Listen pronunciation

nounA metallic alloy of copper and zinc used in many industrial and plumbing applications.

nounA metallic alloy of copper and zinc used in many industrial and plumbing applications., A memorial or sepulchral tablet usually made of brass or latten: a monumental brass.

Gold is similar in color to brass.
We've been horsing around too much; it's high time we got down to brass tacks.
I belong to the brass band, and so does my brother.
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The door handle was made of shiny ____ that tarnished quickly.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The door handle was made of shiny ____ and felt heavy in my hand.

From Middle English bras, bres, from Old English bræs (“brass, bronze”), of uncertain origin. Perhaps representing a backformation from Proto-Germanic *brasnaz (“brazen”), from or related to *brasō (“fire, pyre”). Compare Old Norse and Icelandic bras (“solder”), Icelandic brasa (“to harden in the fire”), Swedish brasa (“a small controlled fire”), Danish brase (“to fry”); French braser ("to solder"; > English braise) from the same Germanic root. Compare also Middle Dutch braspenninc ("a silver coin", literally, "silver-penny"; > Dutch braspenning), Old Frisian bress (“copper”), Middle Low German bras (“metal, ore”). In the military sense an ellipsis of the brass hats.

"I don't want to keep the brass waiting, Chief." — 2004 November 9, Bungie, Halo 2, spoken by Avery Johnson (David Scully), Microsoft Game Studios, Xbox, level/area: The Armory:
"At the Council board, I hope to charge him with that he cannot answer, and yet I know his face is brass enough." — 1869, John Bruce, editor, Calendar of State Papers, domestic series, of the reign of Charles I, 1637-1638, page 147:
"[...] he continued in the same insulting strain. "If you were not quite brass, you would know it is not proper to be making promises you dare not tell of."" — 1872, Elsie Leigh Whittlesey, Helen Ethinger: or, Not Exactly Right, page 154:
"It was a show of very large and very brass cojones, [...]" — 2011, Paul Christopher, The Templar Conspiracy:
"Grindoff, the miller, 'and the leader of a very brass band of most unpopular performers, with a thorough base accompaniment of at least fifty vices,' was played by Miss Saunders." — 1888, Mr. & Mrs. Bancroft on and off the stage: written by themselves, volume 1, page 90:

Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words

CEFR Practice Quiz
The door handle was made of shiny ____ that tarnished quickly.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The door handle was made of shiny ____ and felt heavy in my hand.

Expand Your Vocabulary with LexUp

Master English words using smart flashcards, play exciting word rounds, and compete with other learners worldwide.

Browse CEFR Words Alphabetically