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
Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2024
In general, brass, copper, gold, and nickel have warm undertones, while stainless steel, chrome, and other silver metals give off a cooler look.
—Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2024
The feeling among Sphere brass is that Las Vegas is already a cauldron of sound, so what's a little more?
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 13 June 2024
By the late 1720s, global demand was such that over half of Britain’s copper and brass was exported.
—Corinne Fowler / Made By History, TIME, 17 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for brass 
Noun
The brass trading ring was dug up during an annual archeological dig.
—Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2024
In general, brass, copper, gold, and nickel have warm undertones, while stainless steel, chrome, and other silver metals give off a cooler look.
—Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2024
The feeling among Sphere brass is that Las Vegas is already a cauldron of sound, so what's a little more?
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 13 June 2024
By the late 1720s, global demand was such that over half of Britain’s copper and brass was exported.
—Corinne Fowler / Made By History, TIME, 17 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for brass
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brass.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near brass
Cite this Entry
“Brass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brass. Accessed 4 Jul. 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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