Brush

/brʌʃ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A tool with bristles, wires, or other filaments used for cleaning, painting, or grooming.

She used a paintbrush to create a beautiful landscape.

An act of brushing or the marks made by a brush.

The artist left a quick brush on the canvas.

A situation of slight contact with someone or something.

He had a brush with danger when he almost fell.

verb

To clean, smooth, or apply color with a brush.

Please brush your hair before dinner.

To touch lightly in passing.

The bird brushed past her shoulder as it flew away.

To remove something with a quick movement.

He brushed the dirt off his shoes.

Middle English, from Old French 'brosse', of Germanic origin.

brush off

To dismiss or ignore someone or something.

brush with death

A near-death experience.

brush up on

To improve or refresh one's knowledge or skill.

bristle

Short, stiff hair or fiber.

paint

Color applied to a surface.

sweep

To clean or clear away with a brush.

To brush someone off.

He brushed me off when I suggested going out.

A quick intimate encounter.

They had a brush with romance during the summer.