ENGLISH
REFERENCE

brushing

n. · v. · adj.
US //ˈbɹəʃɪŋ// UK //bɹˈʌʃɪŋ// brush·ing
  1. 1 cleaning or grooming (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the act of using a brush to clean your teeth, tidy your hair, or clean a surface.

    the act of applying a brush to a surface for cleaning, grooming, or smoothing.

    Example

    The dentist told him that a quick brushing twice a day is not enough.

    Example

    Regular brushing of the horse's coat is essential not only for appearance but also for maintaining the animal's skin health and circulation.
  2. 2 e-commerce scam (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    a trick where online sellers send cheap items to random people so they can write fake positive reviews.

    a fraudulent technique where e-commerce sellers send unsolicited items to create fake verified-purchase reviews and boost store ratings.

    Example

    She received a cheap plastic whistle she never ordered, which was likely a case of brushing.

    Example

    The platform has implemented new algorithms to detect brushing, as these fake reviews undermine the integrity of the global marketplace.

    Usage

    uncountable in this context
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  1. 3 touching lightly (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    touching something very lightly as you move past it.

    the act of touching or grazing a surface lightly in passing.

    Example

    He felt something brushing against his leg in the tall grass.

    Example

    The willow branches were brushing against the surface of the lake, creating tiny ripples in the otherwise still water.
  2. 4 brisk or light (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic

    moving in a quick, light, and energetic way.

    characterised by a brisk, light, or energetic quality.

    Example

    The horses moved at a brushing gallop across the open fields.

    Example

    They set off at a brushing pace, hoping to reach the village before the light faded entirely from the valley.

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