Brick

/brɪk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A small rectangular block typically made of fired or sun-dried clay, used for building.

The walls of the house were constructed from red brick.

A solid object used as a projectile or for support.

He threw a brick through the window in a moment of rage.

An object resembling a brick, especially one used in technology, such as a portable electronic device.

My old phone felt like a brick compared to the slim models available today.

verb

To build with bricks.

They will brick the new extension to match the existing structure.

adjective

Having the qualities of a brick, such as solidity or durability.

He had a brick-like demeanor, unyielding and tough.

Middle English brik, from Old French brice, perhaps of Germanic origin.

brick by brick:

Gradually and systematically building or developing something.

to drop a brick:

To make an indiscreet remark.

to play with bricks:

To engage in creative activities, often used in children's context.

A significant amount of money.

That new car costs a brick.

To render or make something unusable, especially electronics.

I accidentally bricked my laptop while trying to update it.