English Reference
noun · verb

brains

n. · v.
US /ˈbɹeɪnz/ UK /bɹˈeɪnz/ brains

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Informal

    n.your ability to think clearly and solve problems.

    n.intellectual capacity or mental acuity. Often used in the plural to denote general intelligence.

    Simple

    He has the brains to go to a top university if he works hard.

    In context

    It takes more than just raw brains to succeed in this industry; you also need persistence and a strong professional network.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    n.the person who plans or organises a complicated task.

    n.the principal planner or organiser of a collective activity. Usually used with the definite article.

    Simple

    She was the brains behind the whole project.

    In context

    While the rest of the team handled the execution, Sarah was undoubtedly the brains behind the entire marketing strategy.

  3. 03 A2 Elementary Science

    n.more than one brain; the organs inside the heads of humans or animals.

    n.the plural form of the physical organ; also used to refer to the brain of an animal used as food.

    Simple

    The scientist compared the brains of several different bird species.

    In context

    The study examined how the brains of mammals adapt to extreme temperature fluctuations in the wild.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency InformalSlang

    v.to hit someone very hard on the head.

    v.to strike someone heavily on the head, or to kill by smashing the skull. Transitive use.

    Simple

    In the movie, the hero brains the monster with a heavy rock.

    In context

    The protagonist narrowly escapes when he brains his attacker with a nearby fire extinguisher.

    Usage

    The third-person singular present form of the verb 'to brain'.

    bashclobber

Usage brains of people · brains work

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated