brig: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal (nautical/technical); Informal (military/colloquial for prison)
Quick answer
What does “brig” mean?
A type of two-masted sailing ship with square-rigged sails on both masts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of two-masted sailing ship with square-rigged sails on both masts.
A military prison, especially on a naval vessel or at a naval base; also used colloquially for any jail or guardhouse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'brig' as a prison is strongly associated with naval/military contexts. In American English, it can be used more loosely for any temporary lock-up or jail, even in non-military contexts (e.g., a police station's holding cell). The sailing term is technical and identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Both varieties carry a connotation of harshness or spartan conditions for the prison meaning. The sailing term is neutral and historical.
Frequency
The prison meaning is more frequent in American English. The sailing term is low-frequency and specialized in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “brig” in a Sentence
[Subject] was confined/thrown/placed in the brig.The [noun] brig held the prisoners.They sailed a brig.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, maritime, or military studies.
Everyday
Rare. If used, it's for 'prison', often humorously (e.g., 'If you're late again, you'll be in the brig!').
Technical
Standard in nautical history (ship type) and military/judicial contexts (prison).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “brig”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “brig”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brig”
- Using 'brig' to refer to a large modern prison (it implies a small, military one).
- Pronouncing it with a long 'i' (/braɪɡ/) like 'bright'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They brigged him' is non-standard; 'confined to the brig' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has two main meanings: a type of sailing ship and a military prison (originally on a ship).
It's best used for military or naval contexts. Using it for a civilian prison sounds metaphorical or humorous.
No, both pronounce it /brɪɡ/ (with a short 'i' as in 'big').
A brig is a smaller, two-masted, square-rigged ship. A frigate is a larger, fast warship with three masts, used for escort and patrol.
A type of two-masted sailing ship with square-rigged sails on both masts.
Brig is usually formal (nautical/technical); informal (military/colloquial for prison) in register.
Brig: in British English it is pronounced /brɪɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /brɪɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BRIGade of soldiers putting someone in a BRIG. Or, a BRIG has two masts like the two 'I's in its name.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONFINEMENT IS BEING BELOW DECK (The brig is typically located in the lower, confined part of a ship).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'brig' be LEAST appropriate?