bravery

noun

brav·​ery ˈbrā-və-rē How to pronounce bravery (audio)
ˈbrāv-
plural braveries
1
: the quality or state of having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty : the quality or state of being brave : courage
showing bravery under fire
2
a
: fine clothes
wearing their Sunday bravery
b
: showy display
… the streets strewed with flowers and full of pageantry, banners, and bravery.John Evelyn

Examples of bravery in a Sentence

He received a medal for bravery. children in their Sunday bravery
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.
This year’s ceremony was dedicated to those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires and the true superheroes – the firefighters and emergency responders whose bravery, dedication and sacrifice helped protect lives and property. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2025 His support, loyalty, bravery, and wisdom inspire me to always be my best. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 29 Jan. 2025 Remembering only Auschwitz also obscures the bravery of non-Jewish rescuers who risked their lives to aid Jews. Martin Kimel, Baltimore Sun, 26 Jan. 2025 For his bravery, Lassen was awarded the Medal of Honor, the U.S. military’s highest decoration, by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1969. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bravery

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French braverie "bravado, challenge, audacity," from braver "to challenge, flout, brave entry 2" + -erie -ery

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bravery was in 1548

Cite this Entry

“Bravery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bravery. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

bravery

noun
brav·​ery ˈbrāv-(ə-)rē How to pronounce bravery (audio)
plural braveries
1
: the quality or state of being brave : fearlessness
2
a
: fine clothes
b
: impressive or showy display

More from Merriam-Webster on bravery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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