Brick: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "brick" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tijolo

🇮🇳 ईंट

🇩🇪 Ziegel

🇮🇩 batu bata

🇺🇦 цегла

🇵🇱 cegła

🇯🇵 レンガ (renga)

🇫🇷 brique

🇪🇸 ladrillo

🇹🇷 tuğla

🇰🇷 벽돌 (byeokdol)

🇸🇦 طوب (toob)

🇨🇿 cihla

🇸🇰 tehla

🇨🇳 砖 (zhuān)

🇸🇮 opeka

🇮🇸 múrsteinn

🇰🇿 кірпіш

🇬🇪 აგური (aguri)

🇦🇿 kərpic

🇲🇽 ladrillo

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.

...
3736 inform
3737 shoes
3738 repeat
3739 brick
3740 rod
3741 interface
3742 defend
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