noun / verb
brush
BRUHSH/brˈʌʃ/
To touch or sweep lightly with bristles.
The stiff bristles can brush dirt from rough surfaces.
Etymology
The Old French word named a brush, and the earliest English use was a dust-sweeper. The tool’s uses later extended from sweeping to applying paint.
In context
For latex paints, run the brush under water and use a cleaning brush to clean the paint from the bristles.
More examples
- A loose branch brushed against my shoulder.
- He used a fine brush to paint the narrow border.
- Her brief brush with fame ended when the show closed.
Forms
brush · brushes · brushed · brushing
Similar words
- sweep
- Usually suggests a broader movement, while brush can be a very light touch.