B2noun1K

Brick

UK /["/brɪk/"]/US /["/brɪk/"]/

Definition

baked clay used for building walls, houses and other buildings; an individual block of this

In simple words: A small, hard block used in building.

Examples

  • The wall was built with a strong red brick that has lasted for decades.
  • He threw a brick through the window out of frustration.
  • She decorated her garden with beautiful brick pathways.
  • In video games, a 'brick' can refer to an item that is of little use or value.
  • This old phone is basically a brick; it doesn't work at all.
  • The architecture of the old building featured intricate brick designs.
  • He feels like he's carrying a brick in his stomach after that heavy meal.
  • They are using brick to construct the new school in the community.
  • She was so angry that she called her ex-boyfriend a 'brick' for being insensitive.
  • You could tell he was overwhelmed when he described the meeting as a brick wall.

Usage notes

Use 'brick' to refer to the material in construction. In informal contexts, it can mean something solid or reliable, but avoid using it in very formal writing.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'brick' building—a strong structure.

Collocations

  • red
  • adobe
  • clay
  • lay
  • use
  • hurl
  • wall
  • building
  • house
  • in brick
  • of brick
  • brick by brick
  • bricks and mortar
  • a course of bricks

Synonyms

  • block
  • tile
  • paver
  • stone

Antonyms

  • flexibility
  • instability

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'block'—both are building materials but used differently.
  • Mistakenly spelling as 'brik'.
  • Using 'bricks' when referring to a single item.