brow

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈbrau̇ How to pronounce brow (audio)
1
a
: eyebrow
b
: forehead
2
: the projecting upper part or margin of a steep place
3
: expression, mien

brow

2 of 2

noun (2)

: gangplank

Examples of brow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Swift's signature bangs were brushed to one side, swooping over one brow. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 19 Oct. 2026 Under the sleek texture of her hair, Yai wore light brows and charcoal shadow, which melted below her waterline. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026 My mom’s siblings usually arrived in a sour mood without greeting anyone at the table, my aunt’s brow furrowed and my uncle wearing a sneaky smirk. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026 Numerous contestants alleged that their careers suffered as a result of early exposure on what was considered low-brow, early-aughts reality TV. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for brow

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English brū; akin to Old Norse brūn eyebrow, Greek ophrys, Sanskrit bhrū

Noun (2)

perhaps from Danish or Swedish bro bridge; akin to Old English brycg bridge

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brow was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing brow

Rhymes for brow

See All Rhymes for brow

Browse Nearby Words

Broussonetia
brow
browallia
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Brow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brow. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

brow

noun
ˈbrau̇
1
a
: eyebrow
b
: forehead
2
: the upper edge of a steep slope

Medical Definition

brow

noun
ˈbrau̇ How to pronounce brow (audio)
1
: eyebrow
2
: either of the lateral prominences of the forehead
3
: forehead
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