Brian

American

[brahy-uhn] / ˈbraɪ ən /

noun

a male given name.

Brian British

/ ˈbraɪən /

noun

Havergal (ˈhævəɡəl). 1876–1972, English composer, who wrote 32 symphonies, including the large-scale Gothic Symphony (1919–27)

"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 quarter “marked the turn in our turnaround as our ‘Back to Starbucks’ plan drove both top- and bottom-line growth,” CEO Brian Niccol said in a statement.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

The company’s U.S. same-store sales jumped 7.1%, marking the second consecutive quarterly increase under CEO Brian Niccol.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

Jones performed in, co-wrote and directed two Monty Python films: The Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

Its history is linked to WhatsApp: the site was founded by cryptographer and entrepreneur Moxie Marlinspike, with an initial $50 million from WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton.

From Barron's • Apr. 25, 2026

“At this pace,” Bruce said, “none of us would be out by dark. I didn’t think either Brian or Dan would last overnight out here.”

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone

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