Language Research

brush · noun C

/brʌʃ/Full view

brush

A2 an object made of short pieces of stiff hair, plastic or wire fixed to a handle, which is used for cleaning, smoothing hair, painting, etc.

Dictionary examples:

combs and brushes

a clothes brush

a scrub brush

Learner example:

We need to bring [a] size 3 brush, [a] size 12 brush and a palet[te]. (Key English Test; A2; Thai)

brush · verb

/brʌʃ/

brush (CLEAN/ARRANGE)

A2 T to use a brush to clean or arrange something

Dictionary examples:

Could you brush your hair?

Brush your teeth after meals.

Learner example:

I really need it to brush my hair tomorrow for Katie's party. (Key English Test; A2; Spanish)

brush (TOUCH)

B2 I or T to lightly touch someone or something as you move past

Dictionary examples:

Charlotte brushed against him as she left the room.

His lips gently brushed her cheek and he was gone.

Learner example:

A soft, cool breeze brushed my skin. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

brush sth away/off, etc.

C1 to move something somewhere using a brush or your hand

Dictionary examples:

Jackie brushed the hair out of her eyes.

He brushed away a tear.

Learner example:

She picked the diary up, brushed off the dust, and immedi[ate]ly started to read it. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swedish)

brush up (on) sth

C1 to improve your knowledge of something already learned but partly forgotten

Dictionary example:

I thought I'd brush up on my French before going to Paris.

Learner example:

Do you want to make new friends? Or perhaps you want to brush up on your English? (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Polish)