noun
C2
Proficient
brimstone
BRIHMS-tohn
Brimstone (noun) means an old-fashioned name for sulfur, especially as used in religious writing to describe the fire and punishment of hell. Example: “The preacher warned of fire and brimstone for sinners.”
noun
1
An old-fashioned name for sulfur, especially as used in religious writing to describe the fire and punishment of hell.
"The preacher warned of fire and brimstone for sinners."
"Brimstone was once mined for making gunpowder and matches."
2
A pale yellow butterfly common in Europe.
"A brimstone fluttered past the hedge in early spring."
How to use brimstone
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old word for sulfur, now used almost only in the phrase "fire and brimstone" to describe hellfire-style preaching.
Common pairings
fire and brimstone
brimstone sermon
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Word forms
- Plural
- brimstones
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The preacher warned of fire and _____ for sinners.
Etymology
From Old English brynstan, literally "burn-stone" — the rock that burns. It's the same word family as burn and stone, and today survives mostly in the phrase "fire and brimstone."
Synonyms
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native sulfur
native sulphur
Rhymes for brimstone
See all rhymes for brimstone →Frequently asked questions
What does “brimstone” mean?
The word “brimstone” means an old-fashioned name for sulfur, especially as used in religious writing to describe the fire and punishment of hell. In plain terms, an old word for sulfur, now used almost only in the phrase "fire and brimstone" to describe hellfire-style preaching.
How do you pronounce “brimstone”?
“Brimstone” is pronounced BRIHMS-tohn (/ˈbɹɪmstoʊn/ in IPA).
How do you use “brimstone” in a sentence?
Here is “brimstone” used in a sentence: “The preacher warned of fire and brimstone for sinners.”
What part of speech is “brimstone”?
“Brimstone” is a noun.
Where does the word “brimstone” come from?
The word “brimstone” comes from Old English. From Old English brynstan, literally "burn-stone" — the rock that burns. It's the same word family as burn and stone, and today survives mostly in the phrase "fire and brimstone.".
How many meanings does “brimstone” have?
“Brimstone” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an old-fashioned name for sulfur, especially as used in religious writing to describe the fire and punishment of hell.
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