Brass

/bræs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a yellow alloy of copper and zinc.

The musician polished his brass trumpet before the concert.

the leaders or commanding officers of a military organization.

The brass were concerned about the strategic planning of the upcoming operation.

people of high rank or authority, particularly in business or government.

The company's brass met to discuss the merger with the competing firm.

verb

to assemble or equip with brass.

They decided to brass the old door handles to give them a new look.

Middle English, from Old English bræse, bræs; akin to Old High German brasa.

brass tacks

The essential details or facts in a situation.

brass band

A band consisting of brass instruments.

top brass

High-ranking officials or leaders.

bronze

An alloy of copper and tin, used for sculpture and coins.

copper

A reddish-brown metal used for electrical wiring and plumbing.

zinc

A metal used for galvanizing iron and steel.

Courage or boldness.

It takes a lot of brass to stand up to the boss like that.

Nerve or audacity.

He had the brass to ask for a raise after just a month.