The meaning of BRIEF is short in duration, extent, or length. How to use brief in a sentence.

BRIEF definition: 1. lasting only a short time or containing few words: 2. used to express how quickly time goes…. Learn more.

1. short in duration: a brief holiday. 2. short in length or extent; scanty: a brief bikini. 3. abrupt in manner; brusque: the professor was brief with me this morning. 4. terse or concise; containing few words: he …

If you are brief, you say what you want to say in as few words as possible. Now please be brief–my time is valuable. I hope to be brief and to the point.

Definition of brief adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Mar 22, 2026 · The term "brief" is used to describe something that is short, concise, or succinct. Its meaning may vary based on context, but it consistently conveys the idea of compactness or brevity.

Apr 8, 2014 · [Appar. a particular use of brief, short (hence quick, active, rife?); but some suppose a confusion with rife.] Common; rife; prevalent: as, I hear smallpox is very brief there.

Feb 28, 2026 · Adjective brief (comparative briefer or more brief, superlative briefest or most brief) Of short duration; happening quickly. [from 15th c.]

The adverb form of the adjective brief is briefly, which most commonly means for a short amount of time or concisely. As a noun, the word brief commonly means a short written item.

Something brief is short and to the point. If you make a brief visit, you don't stay long. If you make a brief statement, you use few words. If you wear brief shorts, you are showing a little too much leg. As a …