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Brick Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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brick

[brɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

building material

A hard block of baked clay used for building walls, houses, and other structures.

Synonyms

block, clay brick, masonry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brick

General term used for rectangular shaped building material, often in standard construction.

  • The house was built using red bricks.
  • He threw a brick through the window.
block

Larger rectangular building component, often made of concrete or stone, used in more heavy-duty construction.

  • They are building a wall with concrete blocks.
  • The city erected a monument using gigantic stone blocks.
masonry

General term for construction involving bricks, stones, or blocks bonded together with mortar; often used to describe the craft or trade.

  • The garden was surrounded by elegant masonry.
  • He specializes in masonry and stone work.
clay brick

Specific type of brick made from clay, commonly used in traditional and rustic constructions.

  • The ancient structure was crafted from beautiful clay bricks.
  • He admired the patterns in the clay brick wall.

Examples of usage

  • The house was built using red bricks.
  • She accidentally dropped a brick on her foot.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A large, heavy object or person.

Synonyms

reliable, solid, strong.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brick

Physical object, often used in construction or masonry.

  • They used a brick to build the walls of the house
solid

Indicates that something is firm, stable, or well-built.

  • The table is made of solid oak, making it very durable
reliable

Describes someone or something you can depend on or trust.

  • She is a reliable person who always keeps her promises
strong

Describes someone or something with physical power, resilience, or durability.

  • He has grown strong from years of lifting weights

Examples of usage

  • He's a real brick, always there to help out.
  • She's as strong as a brick.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

To hit someone or something hard.

Synonyms

hit, smash, strike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brick

In informal settings, 'brick' can describe a very cold electronic device or something that has become non-functional.

  • My phone is a complete brick after that last update.
  • She's trying to carry that old brick of a laptop.
smash

Used when an object is broken or destroyed forcefully, often in a violent manner. It often carries a sense of total destruction.

  • The vase smashed into tiny pieces when it fell.
  • He smashed the old computer with a hammer.
strike

Often used when hitting something deliberately with force or when describing sudden occurrences, such as disasters or discoveries.

  • He struck the punching bag repeatedly during his workout.
  • The workers decided to go on strike for better conditions.
  • Lightning struck the tree during the storm.
hit

Generally used to describe making physical contact with an object or person, usually with some force.

  • He hit the ball with the bat.
  • I accidentally hit my elbow against the door.

Examples of usage

  • He bricked the ball into the net.
  • Don't brick the TV remote, it's fragile.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Significance

  • The Great Wall of China, built using bricks, illustrates their importance in ancient defense mechanisms.
  • Red bricks became popular during the Industrial Revolution for their durability and aesthetic appeal.
  • The Romans utilized bricks extensively, contributing to iconic structures such as the Colosseum.

Material Science

  • Bricks are primarily composed of clay, which is formed into shape and then fired in a kiln to harden.
  • Different types of bricks, like firebricks, can withstand high temperatures and are used in fireplaces and kilns.
  • The insulation properties of bricks help keep buildings warm in winter and cool in summer.

Pop Culture

  • Bricks have made appearances in various films and video games, commonly representing construction or destruction.
  • The phrase 'brick through a window' symbolizes disruption or intrusion in stories, often implying chaos.
  • LEGO, a popular children's toy company, is recognized for its colorful bricks that inspire creativity in building.

Architecture

  • Brick buildings are known for their robustness and have often lasted for centuries.
  • The architectural style known as 'brick Gothic' showcases intricate designs using bricks in northern Europe.
  • Combining brick with other materials, like wood and glass, creates unique modern structures that can symbolize tradition and innovation.

Origin of 'brick'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle Dutch word 'bricke', which means a building block.
  • In ancient times, the use of clay to make these blocks dates back over 5,000 years!
  • Old English used the term 'brice,' emphasizing its fundamental role in construction.

The word 'brick' originates from the Old English word 'bricca', which referred to a piece of baked clay. Bricks have been used as a building material for thousands of years, with the earliest known use dating back to around 7500 BC in Jericho. The process of making bricks has evolved over time, from sun-dried bricks to kiln-fired bricks. Bricks have played a significant role in architecture and construction, with various styles and sizes developed for different purposes.

See also: bricklayer, bricklaying, brickwork.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,739, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.