ENGLISH
REFERENCE

browns

n. countable
A1 Beginner US //ˈbɹaʊnz// UK //bɹˈaʊnz// browns

n. a family with the last name Brown. You use the plural form with 'the' to talk about all the people in that family together.

n. the members of a family whose surname is Brown. Always used with the definite article and pluralised to refer to the family unit collectively.


SIMPLE

The Browns live in the house next to ours.

CONTEXTUAL

We invited the Browns over for dinner because our children go to the same school.

COMPLEX

The Browns have owned this local bakery for three generations, maintaining a reputation for quality that has made them a staple of the community.

Synonyms
Usage

Always used in the plural with the definite article 'the' to refer to a family group.

Pitfall

The Brown's are coming.The Browns are coming.Do not use an apostrophe to make a family name plural; the apostrophe is only for possession.

Idioms1 entry

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