bravery

noun

brav·​ery ˈbrā-və-rē How to pronounce bravery (audio)
ˈbrāv-
plural braveries
1
: the quality or state of having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty : the quality or state of being brave : courage
showing bravery under fire
2
a
: fine clothes
wearing their Sunday bravery
b
: showy display
… the streets strewed with flowers and full of pageantry, banners, and bravery.John Evelyn

Examples of bravery in a Sentence

He received a medal for bravery. children in their Sunday bravery
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ground Zero is the story of Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, a Border Security Force (BSF) soldier who showed rare bravery, grit and courage during his posting in Kashmir and managed to kill a major terrorist - Rana Tahir Nadeem, widely known as Ghazi Baba to the world. Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 With Ronald Araujo coming into Flick’s defence against Dortmund, Barcelona fans must still wince when watching the bravery that is required to play such a high line. Mark Carey, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 The scene also succinctly and entertainingly presents the humor, pride, tenacity and bravery of a Latino community under constant siege and scrutiny. Greg Evans, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2025 As a pilot, George H. W. Bush showed genuine bravery in the Pacific. Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bravery

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French braverie "bravado, challenge, audacity," from braver "to challenge, flout, brave entry 2" + -erie -ery

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bravery was in 1548

Cite this Entry

“Bravery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bravery. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

bravery

noun
brav·​ery ˈbrāv-(ə-)rē How to pronounce bravery (audio)
plural braveries
1
: the quality or state of being brave : fearlessness
2
a
: fine clothes
b
: impressive or showy display

More from Merriam-Webster on bravery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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