brad
6 synonyms for brad, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small, slender nail with a barely-there head, used in fine woodworking so the nail can be sunk flush and hidden.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
panel pin
paper fastener
split pin
How to use brad
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
brad nail
paper brad
brad gun
Etymology
From late Middle English brad, related to Old Norse broddr ("spike, shaft").
Full origin of brad →Frequently asked questions
What does “brad” mean?
The word “brad” means a small, slender nail with a barely-there head, used in fine woodworking so the nail can be sunk flush and hidden. In plain terms, a brad is either a slim, nearly headless nail used in carpentry, or a small paper fastener with splitting prongs.
How do you pronounce “brad”?
“Brad” is pronounced brad (/bɹæd/ in IPA).
How do you use “brad” in a sentence?
Here is “brad” used in a sentence: “He used brads to attach the thin trim without splitting the wood.”
What part of speech is “brad”?
“Brad” is a noun.
Where does the word “brad” come from?
The word “brad” comes from Middle English. From late Middle English brad, related to Old Norse broddr ("spike, shaft").
Is “brad” a common word?
“Brad” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “brad” have?
“Brad” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small, slender nail with a barely-there head, used in fine woodworking so the nail can be sunk flush and hidden.
What is the difference between a brad and a nail?
A brad is a small, slender nail with a barely-there head, made so it can be sunk flush and hidden in fine woodwork. A standard nail is usually thicker with a larger head meant to grip and stay visible. Brads are chosen when you want the fastening to disappear.
What is the difference between a brad and a paper fastener?
The word "brad" has two meanings: a tiny finishing nail for woodwork, and a small metal fastener with a round head and two flat prongs that splay apart to hold sheets of paper together. Context tells you which is meant — a workshop brad is a nail, while a stationery brad binds paper.
What is the difference between a brad and a panel pin?
Both are small, thin nails used where you want a discreet fixing, and the terms overlap; "brad" is more common in American English and "panel pin" in British English. Each has a very small head so it can be driven below the surface and concealed.
What is the difference between a brad and a tack?
A brad is a slender nail with a tiny head designed to sink flush and stay hidden, while a tack is short with a broad, flat head meant to stay visible and hold things like fabric or carpet in place. Brads conceal; tacks grip at the surface.
