noun

brill

brihl

Brill (noun) means a European flatfish similar to a small turbot, prized as a food fish. Example: “The chef served pan-fried brill with a lemon butter sauce.”

noun

A European flatfish similar to a small turbot, prized as a food fish.

"The chef served pan-fried brill with a lemon butter sauce."

How to use brill

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA flatfish related to turbot, popular in European cooking.

When to use it

In British informal slang, "brill" is also a shortening of "brilliant" (meaning excellent) — a different, unrelated use worth knowing if you hear it in conversation.

Word forms

brills plural, brill plural

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The chef served pan-fried _____ with a lemon butter sauce.

Etymology

Possibly from Cornish brilli ("mackerel"), from a Brythonic word meaning "spotted".

Rhymes for brill

ill kill mill sill bill will till hill fill Jill dill gill

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Frequently asked questions

What does “brill” mean?

The word “brill” means a European flatfish similar to a small turbot, prized as a food fish. In plain terms, a flatfish related to turbot, popular in European cooking.

How do you pronounce “brill”?

“Brill” is pronounced brihl (/bɹɪl/ in IPA).

How do you use “brill” in a sentence?

Here is “brill” used in a sentence: “The chef served pan-fried brill with a lemon butter sauce.”

What part of speech is “brill”?

“Brill” is a noun.