brief

1 of 3

adjective

1
: short in duration, extent, or length
a brief meeting
2
a
: concise
gave a brief description of events
promises to be brief
b
briefness noun

brief

2 of 3

noun

1
a
: an official letter or mandate (see mandate entry 1 sense 1)
especially, Roman Catholicism : a papal letter less formal than a bull
b
: a specific instruction or responsibility
his brief was to strengthen the army
2
a
: a concise article (as in a newspaper)
a news brief
c
law : a concise statement of a client's case made out for the instruction of an attorney usually by a law clerk
3
: an outline of an argument
especially, law : a formal written presentation of an argument that sets forth the main points with supporting precedents and evidence
a legal brief
filed a brief
4
briefs plural [brief entry 1] : short snug pants or underpants
wearing briefs

brief

3 of 3

verb

briefed; briefing; briefs

transitive verb

1
: to make an abstract or abridgment of
brief a report
summarized northeastern Siberian archaeology and has briefed many normally unavailable sourcesWendell Oswalt
2
a
: to give final precise instructions to
were briefed before their mission
b
: to coach thoroughly in advance
c
: to give essential information to
The president is being briefed by his advisors.
3
: to discuss (something, such as a military operation) in a briefing
briefed the mission
briefer noun
Phrases
in brief
: in a few words : briefly
today's news in brief

Examples of brief in a Sentence

Adjective The meeting will be brief. The essay is brief but thorough enough. a few brief words of caution Noun Her brief is to manage the company's sales department. a one-page brief of the intelligence report Verb The captain briefed the crew on the new safety procedures. The President has been briefed by his advisers.
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.
Adjective
As a result, his answers are brief and not all that stimulating. Kevin Kurz, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025 The ribbon cutting, hosted by the Ocklawaha Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, will include light refreshments, and a brief program. Orlando Sentinel Staff, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
Idaho requires malpractice insurance for lawyers, not doctors Rosa said in his opening brief that the relationship between the bench and bar in Idaho is unusually close. Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 12 Mar. 2025 Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff/File Hugo Echeverria, a lawyer who filed a brief supporting the government, said that others will likely use the decision as precedent to challenge the constitutionality of activities such as oil and gas drilling. Troy Aidan Sambajon, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
On these calls, reporters are typically briefed on the previous month's U.S. and global average temperatures, and trends during the year-to-date. Andrew Freedman, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025 Critically, the agent must be quickly briefed in real time on what has transpired, ensuring continuity and saving time for both the agent and the customer. Nick Newsom, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brief

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English bref, breve, from Anglo-French bref, brief, from Latin brevis; akin to Old High German murg short, Greek brachys

Noun

Middle English bref, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin brevis, from Late Latin, summary, from Latin brevis brief entry 1

Verb

verbal derivative of brief entry 2

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of brief was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Brief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brief. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

brief

1 of 3 adjective
: not very long : short
briefly adverb
briefness noun

brief

2 of 3 noun
1
: a brief statement of the case a lawyer will present in court
2
plural : short snug underpants

brief

3 of 3 verb
: to give information or instructions to
Etymology

Adjective

Middle English bref, breve "short, brief," from early French brief, bref (same meaning), from Latin brevis "short" — related to breve

Noun

Middle English bref "formal letter," from early French bref (same meaning), derived from Latin brevis "summary," from earlier brevis (adjective) "short, brief"

Legal Definition

brief

1 of 2 noun
1
: a concise statement of a client's case written for the instruction of an attorney usually by a law clerk

called also memorandum

2
: a formal written presentation of an argument that sets forth the main points with supporting precedents and evidence

Note: Briefs are filed either by a party or an amicus curiae with a court usually regarding a specific motion (as for summary judgment) or point of law.

brief

2 of 2 transitive verb
: to write a brief concerning (a motion or question of law)
Etymology

Noun

Old French bref, brief letter, writ indicating legal proceedings, from Late Latin brevis, breve short document, summary, from Latin brevis, adjective, short

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