brat
Brat (noun) means a child, especially one seen as spoiled, unruly, or badly behaved. Example: “The waiter sighed as the brat threw his food on the floor.”
How to use brat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA disapproving word for a badly behaved or spoiled child (or someone acting like one).
Informal and mildly negative; can also be used affectionately about a mischievous child.
Word forms
more brat comparative, bratted past tense, brats plural, brats plural, brats plural, brats singular, most brat superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The waiter sighed as the _____ threw his food on the floor.
Etymology
Early Modern English (c. 1500) slang term meaning "beggar's child". Possibly from Scots bratchet (“bitch, hound”), in which case it would be a doublet of brachet. Another possibility is that it was originally a dialectal word, from northern and western England and the Midlands, for a "makeshift or ragged garment," from Old English bratt (“cloak”), which is from a Celtic source (Old Irish brat (“cloak, cloth”)). In the sense "characteristic of a confident and assertive woman", coined by English singer and songwriter Charli XCX in her 2024 album Brat, though occasional earlier uses of the word with a "reclaimed" or ironic, positive connotation existed, including in LGBTQ slang for people of certain femme or feminine-leaning personalities.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for brat
See all rhymes for brat →Frequently asked questions
What does “brat” mean?
The word “brat” means a child, especially one seen as spoiled, unruly, or badly behaved. In plain terms, a disapproving word for a badly behaved or spoiled child (or someone acting like one).
How do you pronounce “brat”?
“Brat” is pronounced brat (/bɹæt/ in IPA).
How do you use “brat” in a sentence?
Here is “brat” used in a sentence: “The waiter sighed as the brat threw his food on the floor.”
What part of speech is “brat”?
“Brat” is a noun.
Is “brat” a common word?
“Brat” is an uncommon word in modern English.