paintbrush: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral; common in everyday, artistic, and DIY contexts.
Quick answer
What does “paintbrush” mean?
A hand-held tool with bristles (or sometimes a foam head) attached to a handle, used for applying paint to a surface.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hand-held tool with bristles (or sometimes a foam head) attached to a handle, used for applying paint to a surface.
Can refer to a software tool in digital art applications that mimics the function of a physical brush. Informally, in biology, can describe a tuft of hairs on an animal (e.g., a squirrel's tail).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or use. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Associated with art, decoration, manual work.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “paintbrush” in a Sentence
Use a paintbrush to [verb] (e.g., apply varnish)Paint [object] with a paintbrushDip the paintbrush into the paintVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “paintbrush” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I need to paintbrush a final coat on the skirting.
American English
- He decided to paintbrush the trim by hand for more precision.
adjective
British English
- The paintbrush technique was masterful.
American English
- She has impressive paintbrush skills.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts selling art supplies or DIY equipment.
Academic
Used in art history, fine arts, and conservation studies.
Everyday
Very common in contexts of home improvement, crafting, and children's activities.
Technical
Specific in art (e.g., 'filbert brush', 'round brush') and in some manufacturing/coating processes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “paintbrush”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “paintbrush”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “paintbrush”
- Misspelling as two words: 'paint brush' (less common but sometimes accepted).
- Using uncountably (e.g., 'I need some paintbrush' – incorrect; 'I need a paintbrush/some paintbrushes').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is almost always written as one compound word: 'paintbrush'. The two-word form 'paint brush' is less common but not incorrect.
It can be used informally as a verb meaning 'to apply paint with a brush', but this is non-standard. The standard verb is 'to paint' or 'to brush'.
'Brush' is a general term for tools with bristles (hairbrush, toothbrush, scrubbing brush). 'Paintbrush' is specific to applying paint or similar liquids.
Yes, the regular plural is 'paintbrushes'.
A hand-held tool with bristles (or sometimes a foam head) attached to a handle, used for applying paint to a surface.
Paintbrush is usually neutral; common in everyday, artistic, and diy contexts. in register.
Paintbrush: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpeɪntbrʌʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpeɪntˌbrəʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Wield a broad brush (metaphorical, not specific to paintbrush)”
- “Tarred with the same brush (metaphorical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the two parts: PAINT (what it applies) + BRUSH (what it is). A brush for paint.
Conceptual Metaphor
CREATIVITY IS A TOOL ('She wielded her paintbrush like a sword', implying powerful creation). AGENCY/ACTION ('The policy was broad-brush', i.e., non-specific).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'paintbrush' LEAST likely to be used literally?