brassy

¹

[ bras-ee, brah-see ]

adjective

, brass·i·er, brass·i·est.

1. made of or covered with brass.
2. resembling brass, as in color.
3. harsh and metallic:

   brassy tones.

4. brazen; bold; loud.

   Synonyms: brash, cheeky, forward, saucy, insolent

   Antonyms: retiring, shy, modest

5. noisy; clamorous:

   a big, brassy nightclub.

brassy

²

[ bras-ee, brah-see ]

noun

, Golf.

, plural brass·ies.

1. brassie.

brassy

/ ˈbrɑːsɪ /

adjective

1. insolent; brazen
2. flashy; showy
3. (of sound) harsh, strident, or resembling the sound of a brass instrument
4. like brass, esp in colour
5. decorated with or made of brass
6. a variant spelling of brassie

Derived Forms

• ˈbrassily, adverb
• ˈbrassiness, noun

Other Words From

• brassi·ly adverb
• brassi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of brassy¹

First recorded in 1570–80; brass + -y ¹

Example Sentences

In a brassy set piece from the 1952 classic “Singin’ in the Rain,” its star, Gene Kelly, impersonates a newbie hoofer seeking fame on the Great White Way.

From New York Times

She recalled that in a 1989 review in The New York Times, Frank Rich wrote, “‘Gypsy’ is nothing if not Broadway’s own brassy, unlikely answer to ‘King Lear.’

From New York Times

The farmers and miners got to hear the most intoxicating music on Earth from brassy cornet players and driving saxophonists, exotic trombone mutes, squealing trumpets and sultry clarinets.

From Los Angeles Times

Monét led the night — with a brassy performance of her massive hit “On My Mama.”

From Seattle Times

Through the school office she arranged to buy the piece for $250, and she soon became friendly with Ms. Mackler, a brassy, self-possessed presence at the school.

From New York Times

Related Words

• blaring
• bold
• brash
• flashy
• gaudy
• jarring
• jazzy
• piercing
• rude
• shrill