brick
B1Neutral to informal (when used figuratively).
Definition
Meaning
A small rectangular block typically made of fired or sun-dried clay, used in building.
Any material or object resembling a brick in shape or function (e.g., a toy brick, a block of compressed substance). Figuratively: a reliable, helpful person.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a countable noun. The figurative sense ('a brick') is informal and somewhat dated but still understood. The uncountable substance is 'brickwork' or 'brick' (e.g., 'a wall of brick').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use 'brick' identically for the building material. The verb 'to brick up' (seal with bricks) is slightly more common in UK usage.
Connotations
Identical core connotations (solidity, durability). The informal phrase 'to drop a brick' (make a social blunder) is chiefly British.
Frequency
Similar frequency; a common word in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB + brick: lay, make, manufacture, throw, breakBRICK + NOUN: wall, building, house, chimney, ovenPREP + brick: of brick, with bricks, in brickVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bang your head against a brick wall”
- “come down on someone like a ton of bricks”
- “drop a brick (UK)”
- “brick by brick”
- “brick it (UK slang: be terrified)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to construction materials, retail (e.g., brick-and-mortar store).
Academic
Used in architecture, engineering, materials science, history.
Everyday
Discussing buildings, home improvement, DIY, children's toys (LEGO bricks).
Technical
Specific types: fired clay brick, concrete brick, perforated brick, refractory brick.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They decided to brick up the old fireplace to save heat.
- The developer was ordered to brick the gable end properly.
American English
- We're going to brick over the patio next summer.
- The plan is to brick the entire front facade.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb. Used in compounds like 'brick-red'.)
American English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb. Used in compounds like 'brick-hard'.)
adjective
British English
- They live in a lovely red-brick Victorian terrace.
- The brick-built shed at the bottom of the garden is falling down.
American English
- The neighborhood is full of classic brick colonials.
- We're looking for a brick-faced house for low maintenance.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The house has a red brick wall.
- Children like to play with plastic bricks.
- We need to buy more bricks to finish the garden path.
- The old factory was a large brick building.
- The council plans to brick up the archway to prevent antisocial behaviour.
- Trying to get a straight answer from him was like talking to a brick wall.
- The novel is a brick, over 800 pages of dense historical narrative.
- His unwavering support during the crisis proved he was an absolute brick.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BRIDGE made of BRICKS – both start with 'BR' and are solid.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOLIDITY IS BRICK ('a brick of a book'), RELIABILITY IS BRICK ('he's a real brick'), HARD TO PENETRATE IS A BRICK WALL ('hit a brick wall').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'brick' for 'brigade' (бригада).
- The Russian 'кирпич' can colloquially mean a traffic light or a warning, which does not translate to 'brick'.
- A 'brick phone' is a specific old mobile model, not any old phone.
Common Mistakes
- Using as an uncountable noun for the material (*'The house is made of bricks' is better than *'made of brick').
- Confusing 'brick' (building material) with 'block' (which can be larger and of any material).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'brick' used as a positive informal term for a person?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily countable ('three bricks'). The substance can be uncountable ('a wall made of brick'), but 'brickwork' is more precise for the uncountable form.
It describes traditional physical businesses with actual buildings, as opposed to online stores.
Slang for a person who shirks work or responsibility; a loafer. Originally military slang.
Yes, meaning to build, line, or block with bricks (e.g., 'brick up a window'). In slang, 'brick it' means to be very scared (UK).
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