brat

American  

[brat] / bræt /

noun

1. a child, especially an annoying, spoiled, or impolite child (usually used in contempt or irritation).

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brat ¹ British  

/ bræt /

noun

1. a child, esp one who is ill-mannered or unruly: used contemptuously or playfully

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brat ² British  

/ bræt /

noun

1. dialect an apron or overall

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Other Word Forms

• brattish adjective

Etymology

Origin of brat

First recorded in 1500–20; perhaps transferred use of Middle English brat “cloak of coarse cloth, rag,” Old English bratt “cloak,” from Celtic; compare Irish brat “mantle, cloak”

Example Sentences

Decades later he says the “brats” share an intimacy.

From Los Angeles Times

Ben described being called a "brat" online for distancing himself from his mother to protect his mental health.

From BBC

It isn’t quite brat—more akin to the Yellow Chartreuse liqueur.

From The Wall Street Journal

Of course, if I’d grown up the commander’s daughter, I might be a stuck-up brat too.

From Literature

"The Moment" satirises the consequences of her hit 2024 album "brat", as rapacious record company executives and a film director played by Alexander Skarsgard seek to jump on the juggernaut.

From Barron's

Related Words

• punk
• rascal