1
: edge
especially : the edge at the top of a steep place
2
: a bank especially of a river
3
: the point of onset : verge
on the brink of war
4
: the threshold of danger

Examples of brink in a Sentence

was at the brink of death when the rescuers arrived
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The boardwalk will replace the steps that lead to the viewing platform at the waterfall's brink, with benches installed along the way, said Kevin Dennis, Tahquamenon Falls State Park supervisor in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Parks and Recreation Division. Keith Matheny, Detroit Free Press, 9 Oct. 2024 Reports New York Jets fire coach Robert Saleh after 2-3 start and apparent tension with Aaron Rodgers Luis Tiant, Cuban legend who pitched the Red Sox to the World Series brink, dies at 83 The Saints have struggled after a hot start to the season, however. Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 8 Oct. 2024 SoFi Stadium was blanketed in red, Niners fans owning the building, the defending NFC champs owning the moment, the 0-2 locals riddled with injuries and on the statistical brink of extinction. Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2024 The costs are pushing some condo owners to the financial brink. Josh Feldman, NBC News, 12 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for brink 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse brekka slope; akin to Middle Dutch brink grassland

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of brink was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near brink

Cite this Entry

“Brink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brink. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

brink

noun
1
: the edge at the top of a steep place
2
: a point of beginning : verge
on the brink of war

More from Merriam-Webster on brink

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