First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1brush
noun \ˈbrəsh\
Definition of BRUSH
1
2
a : scrub vegetation b : land covered with scrub vegetation
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Origin of BRUSH
Middle English brusch, from an Anglo-French form akin to Old French broce brushwood, Medieval Latin brusca
2brush
noun
Definition of BRUSH
1
: a device composed of bristles typically set into a handle and used especially for sweeping, smoothing, scrubbing, or painting
2
: something resembling a brush: as a : a bushy tail b : a feather tuft worn on a hat
3
: an electrical conductor that makes sliding contact between a stationary and a moving part (as of a generator or a motor)
4
a : an act of brushing b : a quick light touch or momentary contact in passing
Origin of BRUSH
Middle English brusshe, from an Anglo-French form akin to Middle French broisse
First Known Use: 14th century
3brush
verb
Definition of BRUSH
transitive verb
1
a : to apply a brush to b : to apply with a brush
2
a : to remove with passing strokes (as of a brush) b : to dispose of in an offhand way : dismiss <brushed him off>
3
: to pass lightly over or across : touch gently against in passing
— brush·er noun
First Known Use of BRUSH
15th century
4brush
noun
Definition of BRUSH
: a brief encounter or skirmish <a brush with disaster> <a brush with the law>
Origin of BRUSH
Middle English brusche rush, hostile collision, from bruschen
First Known Use: 14th century
5brush
verb
Definition of BRUSH
intransitive verb
: to move lightly or heedlessly <brushed past the well-wishers waiting to greet him>
Origin of BRUSH
Middle English bruschen to rush, probably from Middle French brosser to dash through underbrush, from broce
First Known Use: 1674
BRUSHER Defined for Kids
1brush
noun \ˈbrəsh\
Definition of BRUSH for Kids
1
: a tool made of bristles set in a handle and used for cleaning, smoothing, or painting
2
: an act of smoothing or scrubbing with a brush
3
: a light stroke <a brush of the hand>
4
: a bushy tail
2brush
verb
brushedbrush·ing
Definition of BRUSH for Kids
1
: to scrub or smooth with a brush <Brush your hair.>
2
: to remove with or as if with a brush <I brushed up the dirt.>
3
: to pass lightly across <A twig brushed my cheek.>
3brush
noun
Definition of BRUSH for Kids
1
: branches and twigs cut from trees
2
: a heavy growth of small trees and bushes
4brush
noun
Definition of BRUSH for Kids
: a brief fight or quarrel
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