# brat

/ˈbɹæt/ (US) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/brat
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

a child or young person who is rude, selfish, or difficult to manage. You use this word when someone behaves badly and does not listen to rules.

For teachers: a child or young person who behaves in a rude, selfish, or demanding way. Informal in register; often used as a mild reprimand.

## Examples

- Stop being such a brat and share your toys.
- The toddler threw a tantrum in the supermarket, acting like a spoiled brat over the price of candy.
- Though he was a respected senator in public, his colleagues whispered that he remained a brat at heart, prone to petty outbursts when denied his way.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.