Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

brush-off

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.22 in modern English

Syllables: brush-off
IPA

19

Scrabble Score

8

Letters

2

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

An abrupt rebuff, a snub or curt rejection, a disdainful dismissal.

Example Sentences

"A halfhearted “thank you” may be a brush-off."
"For the first time, we in the SF ghetto are beginning to get criticism – not brush-offs from literary snobs."
"Susan called the police after they failed to locate Amy that afternoon. The response was a brush-off dressed as reassurance. Detective Michael Gonzalez told her, “Don’t panic. Call back if Amy isn’t home by morning.”"

Etymology

Deverbal from brush off.

Inflected Forms

brush-offs (plural) brushoff (alternative)

Phrases

give someone the brush-off

Questions

What does brush-off mean?: An abrupt rebuff, a snub or curt rejection, a disdainful dismissal.
Where does brush-off come from?: Deverbal from brush off.

How to pronounce brush-off

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “brush-off”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “brush-off”.
Repeat and practice — Say “brush-off” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.