brassy

adjective

ˈbra-sē 

brassier; brassiest

1

a

: shamelessly bold

a brassy reporter

b

: obstreperous

2

: resembling brass especially in color

3

: resembling the sound of a brass instrument

brassily

ˈbra-sə-lē 

adverb

brassiness

ˈbra-sē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• arch
• audacious
• bold
• bold-faced
• brash
• brassbound
• brazen
• brazen-faced
• cheeky
• cocksure
• cocky
• fresh
• impertinent
• impudent
• insolent
• nervy
• sassy
• saucy
• wise

Examples of brassy in a Sentence

a brassy customer insisted on arriving late and still being taken first

Recent Examples on the Web

But the nickname that endures comes from Ethel Merman’s brassy portrayal of her in Irving Berlin’s 1950 musical, Call Me Madam. —Robin Olson, airmail.news, 4 Jan. 2025

There were brassier accents as well, and the melody felt more intricate. —Brandon Taylor, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2025

The Platinum mask is best for neutralizing brassy tones in blonde hair, while the rose-gold iteration warms up light hair with pink and golden tones. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 31 Dec. 2024

Gaga’s brassy belt brings out one of the album’s most passionate vocals from Bennett, who even lets out a spontaneous laugh toward the end of the song. —Kristen S. Hé, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

brassy

adjective

ˈbras-ē 

brassier; brassiest

1

a

: shamelessly bold

b

: unruly

2

: resembling brass especially in color

3

: resembling the sound of a brass instrument

brassily

ˈbras-ə-lē 

adverb

brassiness

ˈbras-ē-nəs 

noun