Brush
/brʌʃ/
Definitions
2 meaningsAn implement with bristles, wire, or other filaments used for cleaning, painting, or applying substances.
/brʌʃ/
An instrument with bristles, hairs, or wires for cleaning, painting, etc.
She used a hairbrush to style her hair.
💡 Simply: Something used to clean or paint.
More Examples
The artist applied paint with a large brush.
How It's Used
"I used a brush to clean the dust from the furniture."
"The painter used a wide brush for the background."
To clean, smooth, or treat with a brush.
/brʌʃ/
To clean or smooth with a brush.
He brushed his teeth before bed.
💡 Simply: To clean with a brush.
More Examples
She brushed the dust off her coat.
How It's Used
"I brushed the crumbs off the table."
"She brushed her dog's fur."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
brush off
To ignore or dismiss someone or something.
"He brushed off my concerns."
From Middle English *brusche, from Old French *broce, *brosce, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German *bursta "bristle".
The word 'brush' has been used in English since the Middle Ages, originally referring to a coarse broom or thicket of twigs.
Memory tip
Think of brushing your teeth – that's a brush!
Word Origin
"bristle"