What does paintbrush mean?
A paintbrush is a tool used to apply paint to a surface, such as a wall, canvas, piece of furniture, or model. Its bristles hold paint and release it in controlled amounts, allowing the user to make broad, even strokes or fine, precise marks. Paintbrushes are available in many shapes and sizes, from broad brushes for covering large surfaces to narrow brushes for details. The word is common in both British and American English and is also written as “paint brush.” While “brush” is the broader term for similar tools used in hair care, cleaning, and other activities, “paintbrush” identifies the specific implement intended for applying paint. The term is especially associated with painting, decorating, crafts, and visual art.
nounA brush used to apply, spread, or smooth paint, typically with bristles attached to a handle.
- A tool consisting of bristles or similar material attached to a handle, used to apply, spread, or smooth paint.
"She used a wide paintbrush to cover the wall with pale green paint."
"The decorator dipped the paintbrush into the blue paint and carefully outlined the window frames."
"A small paintbrush is useful for adding fine details to a model."
The standard plural adds “-es.”
"The decorators set out several clean paintbrushes on the table."
The paintbrush is one of the simplest tools for turning liquid colour into a visible mark, and its shape has shaped the strokes of painters for centuries.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does paintbrush come from?
“Paintbrush” is a compound formed in English from “paint” and “brush.” The word “paint” comes through Old French from Latin “pingere,” meaning “to paint,” while “brush” developed from Old French “brus,” referring to a brush-like implement made from bristles. The compound has long referred to a tool used for applying pigments and, later, prepared paints.
Related word forms
How paintbrush is actually used
The compound is common in both British and US English. In formal writing, “paint brush” with a space is also widely accepted, while “paintbrush” is standard in dictionaries and everyday use.
Easily confused with paintbrush
A paintbrush is specifically a brush for applying paint, whereas a brush may also be used for painting hair, cleaning surfaces, or other tasks.