brill

¹

[ bril ]

noun

, plural brills, (especially collectively) brill.

1. a European flatfish, Scophthalmus rhombus, closely related to the turbot.

Brill

²

[ bril ]

noun

1. A(braham) A(rden), 1874–1948, U.S. psychoanalyst and author, born in Austria.

brill

¹

/ brɪl /

adjective

1. slang.
   excellent or wonderful

brill

²

/ brɪl /

noun

1. a European food fish, Scophthalmus rhombus , a flatfish similar to the turbot but lacking tubercles on the body: family Bothidae

Word History and Origins

Origin of brill¹

First recorded in 1475–85; of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of brill¹

C20 shortened form of brilliant

Origin of brill²

C15: probably from Cornish brӯthel mackerel, from Old Cornish brӯth speckled; related to Welsh brith spotted

Example Sentences

His catch normally includes sole and turbot, brill, red gurnard and plaice.

From BBC

Sure, the mackerel paté was mesmerising, the pickled oyster piquant and the brill terrine as dazzling as its name suggests.

From The Guardian

“It's so futuristic. Gary Numan's got a friend named 'Five'! Is that brill or what?”

From Literature

“It’s naive to think this can be done by computer,” said DuFays, 58, pointing to stacks of brill and monkfish waiting to be sold.

From Seattle Times

“It’s naïve to think this can be done by computer,” said Mr. Dufays, 58, pointing to stacks of brill and monkfish waiting to be sold.

From New York Times