# brushing

/ˈbɹəʃɪŋ/ (US) · /bɹˈʌʃɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/brushing
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. cleaning or grooming

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The dentist told him that a quick brushing twice a day is not enough.
- 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. e-commerce scam

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

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

### 3. touching lightly

verb · CEFR B2

touching something very lightly as you move past it.

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

- He felt something brushing against his leg in the tall grass.
- The willow branches were brushing against the surface of the lake, creating tiny ripples in the otherwise still water.

### 4. brisk or light

adjective · CEFR C2 · Archaic

moving in a quick, light, and energetic way.

For teachers: characterised by a brisk, light, or energetic quality.

- The horses moved at a brushing gallop across the open fields.
- They set off at a brushing pace, hoping to reach the village before the light faded entirely from the valley.

## Examples

- He finished his morning brushing routine.
- She spent ten minutes brushing her hair before leaving the house.
- The meticulous brushing of the old painting revealed layers of pigment that had been hidden by decades of dust.

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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.