noun Uncommon

brunt

bruhnt

Brunt (noun) means the main force or worst part of something difficult, usually in the phrase "bear the brunt". Example: “Coastal towns bore the brunt of the storm.”

noun

The main force or worst part of something difficult, usually in the phrase "bear the brunt".

"Coastal towns bore the brunt of the storm."

"Junior staff often bear the brunt of a company's cost cuts."

How to use brunt

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe heaviest or most damaging part of something bad, almost always paired with "bear".

Common pairings

bear the brunt of take the brunt

Word forms

brunted past tense, brunts plural, Brunts plural, brunts singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Coastal towns bore the _____ of the storm.

Etymology

From Middle English brunt, meaning a sudden blow or attack, likely linked to an Old Norse word for rushing forward violently.

Origin: Middle English

Rhymes for brunt

cunt hunt bunt punt runt grunt blunt shunt stunt

See all rhymes for brunt →

Frequently asked questions

What does “brunt” mean?

The word “brunt” means the main force or worst part of something difficult, usually in the phrase "bear the brunt". In plain terms, the heaviest or most damaging part of something bad, almost always paired with "bear".

How do you pronounce “brunt”?

“Brunt” is pronounced bruhnt (/bɹʌnt/ in IPA).

How do you use “brunt” in a sentence?

Here is “brunt” used in a sentence: “Coastal towns bore the brunt of the storm.”

What part of speech is “brunt”?

“Brunt” is a noun.

Where does the word “brunt” come from?

The word “brunt” comes from Middle English. From Middle English brunt, meaning a sudden blow or attack, likely linked to an Old Norse word for rushing forward violently.

Is “brunt” a common word?

“Brunt” is an uncommon word in modern English.