brass

brass · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A yellow alloy of copper and zinc.

  2. 2.

    Made of brass.

  3. 3.

    Musical instruments made of brass (trumpets, trombones, etc.).

  4. 4.

    (informal) High-ranking military officers or executives.

  5. 5.

    Bold self-confidence; nerve.

Forms

plural: brasses

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    brass tacks — basic facts or practical details
  • •
    top brass — senior officials or executives
  • •
    bold as brass — very bold or impudent

Related words

See also: bronze, copper, metal
Synonyms: alloy

Etymology

From Old English braes, of unknown ultimate origin.