brow: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1neutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “brow” mean?
The forehead or the ridge of bone over the eye.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The forehead or the ridge of bone over the eye.
The upper edge or margin of something, such as a hill or cliff. Also used metaphorically to refer to facial expression or demeanor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use 'brow' similarly. In anatomy, 'forehead' is more common in everyday speech in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly literary or elevated in both varieties, especially for the 'edge of a hill' sense.
Frequency
More frequent in written English than in casual speech.
Grammar
How to Use “brow” in a Sentence
[possessive] + brow + [verb] (e.g., His brow furrowed.)[adjective] + brow (e.g., a sweaty brow)the brow of + [geographical feature] (e.g., the brow of the cliff)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brow” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He would brow the ridge carefully.
- She browed the summit at dawn.
American English
- He carefully browed the hilltop.
- She browed the cliff's edge.
adverb
British English
- (None standard)
- (None standard)
American English
- (None standard)
- (None standard)
adjective
British English
- (Rare) The brow-like projection was visible.
- (As part of compound) Highbrow tastes.
American English
- (Rare) A brow ridge defined his face.
- (As part of compound) Lowbrow humour.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except metaphorically ('the brow of economic uncertainty').
Academic
Used in literary analysis, geography ('brow of the hill'), and physical anthropology.
Everyday
Common in set phrases ('wiped his brow') or describing expressions.
Technical
Anatomy (supraorbital ridge), topography.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brow”
- Confusing 'brow' with 'eyebrow,' using 'brow' for any facial feature, overusing in casual speech where 'forehead' or 'top' is more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While 'brow' can refer to the eyebrow area, its primary meaning is the forehead or the ridge above the eye. 'Eyebrow' specifically means the line of hair.
It's often used for the top edge of a steep geographical feature, e.g., 'the brow of the hill' or 'the brow of the cliff.'
Yes, etymologically. 'Highbrow' (intellectual) and 'lowbrow' (non-intellectual) derive from the pseudo-scientific idea that a higher forehead indicated greater intelligence.
It is neutral but leans slightly towards literary or descriptive language. In everyday conversation, 'forehead' is more common for the body part.
The forehead or the ridge of bone over the eye.
Brow: in British English it is pronounced /braʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /braʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “by the sweat of one's brow”
- “knit one's brow”
- “highbrow/lowbrow”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BROWn eyebrow arching over your eye, or a hill's BROW looking down.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE HEAD/TOP OF AN OBJECT IS A BROW (e.g., brow of a hill).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common modern synonym for 'brow' in its anatomical sense?