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
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
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2026
Or would there be a brass scale marking the 1849 beginning of the Gold Rush, or an antique gas pump signifying the 1956 development of interstate highways?
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2026
These colors work best when paired with natural textures like linen, aged brass, and warm wood.
—Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 16 Feb. 2026
The masterful composer managed to match director George Lucas' vision with an opening theme that fit the bill, announcing the sea change with a blast of brass that no doubt caused first-time viewers to jump in their seats.
—Alex Galbraith, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brass
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Noun
Plush beds, marble bathrooms, wooden floors, and brass light fixtures evoke the feeling of a luxe sailing yacht adorned in deep blues and rich greens.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2026
Or would there be a brass scale marking the 1849 beginning of the Gold Rush, or an antique gas pump signifying the 1956 development of interstate highways?
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2026
These colors work best when paired with natural textures like linen, aged brass, and warm wood.
—Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 16 Feb. 2026
The masterful composer managed to match director George Lucas' vision with an opening theme that fit the bill, announcing the sea change with a blast of brass that no doubt caused first-time viewers to jump in their seats.
—Alex Galbraith, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brass
Cite this Entry
“Brass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brass. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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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