paintbrush

American  

[peynt-bruhsh] / ˈpeɪntˌbrʌʃ /

noun

1. a brush for applying paint, as one used in painting painting houses or one used in painting painting pictures.

2. any plant of the genus Castilleja.

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paintbrush British  

/ ˈpeɪntˌbrʌʃ /

noun

1. a brush used to apply paint

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Etymology

Origin of paintbrush

First recorded in 1820–30; paint + brush ¹

Example Sentences

Sitting cross-legged on a red carpet, artist Mohammad Younes Qane uses an ultra-fine paintbrush to trace details such as a horse's mane or the beads of a necklace.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

The area is home to San Bernardino flying squirrels and ash-gray Indian paintbrush, a federally protected plant found only in the San Bernardino Mountains.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 10, 2025

You can also use a pastry brush or a clean, unused paintbrush to dust off the surfaces.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2025

Ai-Da paints with a robotic arm which can hold a pen or paintbrush.

From NewsForKids.net • Nov. 14, 2024

“But, Josey,” she replied, putting the paintbrush down.

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman