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brake fluid

American  

noun

Automotive.

  1. the fluid used in a brake system to transmit pressure from the brake pedal to the pistons at each wheel, producing the braking action.

brake fluid British  

noun

  1. an oily liquid used to transmit pressure in a hydraulic brake or clutch system

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The sun was not quite up as Eric Helera unlocked the doors of his jeepney, wiped down its two long passenger benches, and checked his brake fluid before another day ferrying Manila commuters.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

The mechanic informs you that your car’s brake fluid is too low.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 27, 2025

Maas said the Corexit smelled like burning brake fluid and caused his eyes to water and skin to burn.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 19, 2024

They’re in dental floss, food packaging, brake fluid, you name it.

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2024

The automakers say internal brake fluid leaks can cause an electrical short that could lead to a fire.

From Reuters • Sep. 27, 2023

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.