brass

[ bras, brahs ]

noun

1. any of various metal alloys consisting mainly of copper and zinc.
2. a utensil, ornament, or other article made of such an alloy.
3. Music.
   1. brass instrument.
   2. brass instruments collectively in a band or orchestra.
4. metallic yellow; lemon, amber, or reddish yellow.
5. Informal.
   1. high-ranking military officers.
   2. any very important officials.
6. Informal. excessive self-assurance; impudence; effrontery.

   Synonyms: brashness, chutzpa, gall, nerve, cheek

7. Machinery. a replaceable semicylindrical shell, usually of bronze, used with another such to line a bearing; a half bushing.
8. British. a memorial tablet or plaque, often incised with an effigy, coat of arms, or the like.
9. Furniture. any piece of ornamental or functional hardware, as a drawer pull, made of brass.
10. British Slang. money.

adjective

1. of, made of, or pertaining to brass.
2. composed for or using musical instruments made of brass.
3. having the color brass.

brass

/ brɑːs /

noun

1. an alloy of copper and zinc containing more than 50 per cent of copper. Alpha brass (containing less than 35 per cent of zinc) is used for most engineering materials requiring forging, pressing, etc Alpha-beta brass (35–45 per cent zinc) is used for hot working and extrusion. Beta brass (45–50 per cent zinc) is used for castings. Small amounts of other metals, such as lead or tin, may be added Compare bronze
2. an object, ornament, or utensil made of brass
3. 1. the large family of wind instruments including the trumpet, trombone, French horn, etc, each consisting of a brass tube blown directly by means of a cup- or funnel-shaped mouthpiece
   2. sometimes functioning as plural instruments of this family forming a section in an orchestra
   3. ( as modifier )

      a brass ensemble

4. a renewable sleeve or bored semicylindrical shell made of brass or bronze, used as a liner for a bearing
5. informal.
   functioning as plural important or high-ranking officials, esp military officers See also brass hat

   the top brass

6. dialect.
   money

   where there's muck, there's brass!

7. an engraved brass memorial tablet or plaque, set in the wall or floor of a church
8. informal.
   bold self-confidence; cheek; nerve

   he had the brass to ask for more time

9. slang.
   a prostitute
10. modifier of, consisting of, or relating to brass or brass instruments

    a brass band

    a brass ornament

brass

/ brăs /

1. A yellowish alloy of copper and zinc, usually 67 percent copper and 33 percent zinc. It sometimes includes small amounts of other metals. Brass is strong, ductile, and resistant to many forms of corrosion.

brass

1. Musical instruments traditionally made of brass and played by blowing directly into a small, cup-shaped mouthpiece. They include the French horn , trumpet , trombone , and tuba .

Other Words From

• brassish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of brass¹

before 1000; 1945–50 brass fordef 5; Middle English bras, Old English bræs; cognate with Old Frisian bres copper, Middle Low German bras metal

Word History and Origins

Origin of brass¹

Old English bræs ; related to Old Frisian bres copper, Middle Low German bras metal

Idioms and Phrases

• bold as brass
• double in brass
• get down to brass tacks

Example Sentences

But after President Biden was elected, Hegseth left the military, complaining he was ordered to stand down from his duty guarding Biden’s inauguration because top brass dubbed him a “white nationalist” and an “extremist.”

From Los Angeles Times

We listened in rapt, reverential awe, cozied by Vienna’s velvet strings, velvet winds and velvet brass woven together in a perfect tapestry of lush sonic textures and instrumental colors.

From Los Angeles Times

They emphasized warnings from many of his own closest advisors and top military brass that he was a would-be fascist who would be unencumbered if given another term.

From Los Angeles Times

But it's Come Fly With Me that most perfectly captures the vitality of Jones's new arrangements, especially in the charismatic interplay between Sinatra and the brass section.

From BBC

The brass band strikes up Ode to the Motherland as young children, kept up late for the occasion, their cheeks adorned with the Chinese flag, all shout in full song.

From BBC