brass

12 synonyms for brass, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A yellowish metal alloy made from copper and zinc, used for fittings, instruments, and ornaments.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

leadership administration face organisation establishment

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

cheek nerve governance

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

higher-ups bigwigs top management boldness

How to use brass

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

brass band brass instrument top brass polished brass

Etymology

From Middle English bras, bres, from Old English bræs (“brass, bronze”), of uncertain origin. Perhaps representing a backformation from Proto-Germanic *brasnaz (“brazen”), from or related to *brasō (“fire, pyre”). Compare Old Norse and Icelandic bras (“solder”), Icelandic brasa (“to harden in the fire”), Swedish brasa...

Full origin of brass →

Frequently asked questions

What does “brass” mean?

The word “brass” means a yellowish metal alloy made from copper and zinc, used for fittings, instruments, and ornaments. In plain terms, a copper-zinc metal, the horn section of a band, or (informally) senior bosses.

How do you pronounce “brass”?

“Brass” is pronounced brahs (/bɹæs/ in IPA).

How do you use “brass” in a sentence?

Here is “brass” used in a sentence: “The door handles were made of polished brass.”

What part of speech is “brass”?

“Brass” is a noun.

Is “brass” a common word?

“Brass” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “brass” have?

“Brass” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a yellowish metal alloy made from copper and zinc, used for fittings, instruments, and ornaments.

What is the difference between brass and bronze?

Brass is a yellowish alloy of copper and zinc, while bronze is an alloy of copper and tin. Brass is typically brighter and more yellow in colour and is widely used for fittings, musical instruments, and ornaments, whereas bronze looks browner and duller.

Which instruments count as brass instruments?

Brass refers to the metal wind instruments of a band or orchestra, such as trumpets and trombones, and also to the section of players who perform on them. French horns and tubas belong to the brass section as well.

Is brass a pure metal or an alloy?

Brass is not a pure metal or chemical element; it is an alloy made by combining copper and zinc. Its exact colour and hardness vary with the proportions of the two metals used.

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Nearby words

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