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
Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 30 July 2025
Union Pacific brass argues that creating a coast-to-coast railroad covers both the STB’s standards for rail consolidation, noting that such a railroad will compete more effectively with Canadian railroads to win back U.S. freight volume and American jobs.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 29 July 2025
Concerning Joel Embiid Update For days and weeks following the trade, it was believed that the Mavericks brass took a chance to rebuild the roster without Doncic, which was due in large part to his conditioning.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025
Upstairs, drinks are poured and presented table side from a mobile brass and mahogany bar cart.
—Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for brass
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Noun
Tisch and other top department brass were waiting on Virginia Ave. and watched in silence as Islam’s body was removed from the ambulance, draped in the NYPD flag.
—Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 30 July 2025
Union Pacific brass argues that creating a coast-to-coast railroad covers both the STB’s standards for rail consolidation, noting that such a railroad will compete more effectively with Canadian railroads to win back U.S. freight volume and American jobs.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 29 July 2025
Concerning Joel Embiid Update For days and weeks following the trade, it was believed that the Mavericks brass took a chance to rebuild the roster without Doncic, which was due in large part to his conditioning.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025
Upstairs, drinks are poured and presented table side from a mobile brass and mahogany bar cart.
—Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for brass
Cite this Entry
“Brass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brass. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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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