an alloy of copper and zinc
"The old door handle was made of polished brass that gleamed under the hallway light."
a wind instrument that consists of a brass tube (usually of variable length) that is blown by means of a cup-shaped or funnel-shaped mouthpiece
"The marching band played a lively tune on the shiny brass trumpet as they paraded down the street."
the persons (or committees or departments etc.) who make up a body for the purpose of administering something
"he claims that the present administration is corrupt"
"the governance of an association is responsible to its members"
"he quickly became recognized as a member of the establishment"
an ornament or utensil made of brass
"She polished the brass doorknob until it gleamed under the hallway lights."
the section of a band or orchestra that plays brass instruments
"The school's brass section performed with exceptional energy during the halftime show."
a memorial made of brass
"The polished brass memorial gleamed under the morning sun at the edge of the park."
A metallic alloy of copper and zinc used in many industrial and plumbing applications.
"The old sailor swore he'd never work alongside another brass again after seeing what happened on that dock."
A memorial or sepulchral tablet usually made of brass or latten
A brass nail; a prostitute.
In plain English: Brass is a strong, shiny metal made by mixing copper and zinc that people often use to make musical instruments or hardware.
"The brass handle on the door was cold to the touch."
Usage: As a common noun, brass refers to a durable yellow alloy made by combining copper and zinc. It is frequently used in phrases like "brass instruments" or to describe objects crafted from this metal.
To coat with brass.
"The antique shop owner decided to have their tarnished silverware plated and coated with a fresh layer of brass for the upcoming exhibition."
In plain English: To brass means to act with bold confidence, often by speaking your mind openly or taking charge of a situation without hesitation.
"She brassed her husband into letting her go on vacation early."
Usage: In everyday usage, "brass" is not used as a verb to mean coating something with metal; that specific action is described by the noun phrase "to plate in brass." As a verb, "brass" is archaic and rarely heard today, so you should generally avoid using it in this sense unless writing historical fiction.
Made of brass, of or pertaining to brass.
"The wind off the ocean made my fingers feel like a brass monkey, so I pulled them quickly back into my coat pockets."
Brass monkey; cold.
In plain English: Brass describes someone who is very confident and acts like they are better than everyone else.
"The brass band played loudly in the town square."
Usage: Do not use "brass" to mean cold; that is an archaic slang term rarely heard today. Instead, use it as an adjective only when describing something made of the shiny metal alloy or referring to a person who is bold and unfeeling.
The word brass comes from Old English bræs, though its ultimate origin remains uncertain. It may be a shortened form related to ancient Germanic words for fire or pyres, which also influenced terms like "braise" and "solder."