paintbrush

noun

paint·​brush ˈpānt-ˌbrəsh How to pronounce paintbrush (audio)
1
: a brush for applying paint
2
a
: indian paintbrush sense 1
b
: orange hawkweed

Examples of paintbrush in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Another method is to use a small paintbrush to transfer the pollen. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 June 2026 Use a small paintbrush to transfer pollen from blossom to blossom to increase your chances of a high yield. — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 15 June 2026 Fill a bowl with water and detergent and swirl the brushes through it like a paintbrush, or place a small amount of detergent in your palm and work the damp brush into it. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026 This can easily be done with a paintbrush, carefully transferring pollen from the stamens to the center of the flower. — Heather Bien, The Spruce, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for paintbrush

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of paintbrush was in 1815

Phrases Containing paintbrush

Rhymes for paintbrush

See All Rhymes for paintbrush

Browse Nearby Words

paint bridge
paintbrush
paint/draw a picture of
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paintbrush.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paintbrush. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

paintbrush

noun
paint·​brush ˈpānt-ˌbrəsh How to pronounce paintbrush (audio)
1
: a brush for applying paint
2
a
: indian paintbrush sense 1
b
: orange hawkweed

More from Merriam-Webster on paintbrush

Nglish: Translation of paintbrush for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paintbrush

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