English Reference
noun

briefing

n.
US /ˈbɹifɪŋ/ UK /bɹˈiːfɪŋ/ brief·ing UK spelling briefing's, briefing's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a short meeting where people are given information or instructions about a job they are about to do.

    a meeting held to provide specific instructions or essential information in preparation for a task or operation.

    Simple

    The pilots attended a morning briefing before their flight to discuss the weather.

    In context

    The tactical briefing lasted nearly an hour as the commander detailed every possible contingency for the upcoming rescue mission.

    Usage

    Often used with the verb 'to hold' or 'to attend'.

    debriefing
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate AcademicFormal

    a short document or speech that gives you the most important facts about a situation.

    a concise written or oral summary of a current situation or set of facts.

    Simple

    The president received a daily briefing on the country's economy.

    In context

    The research team provided a comprehensive briefing on the clinical trial results to the board of directors.

    Usage

    Commonly appears in the phrase 'daily briefing' or 'press briefing'.

This year he held his first press briefing since May on 3 August, and another a week later.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

Briefing journalists in New York the previous day, he said OCHA was working with partners to prepare neighbouring Rwanda for the possible spread of Ebola.

UN News· 11 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated