Brick: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

Physical object, often used in construction or masonry.

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

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

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

Describes someone or something you can depend on or trust.

• She is a reliable person who always keeps her promises

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

• He has grown strong from years of lifting weights

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.

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.

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.

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.