brief

adjective

\ ˈbrēf

Definition of brief

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : short in duration, extent, or length a brief meeting

2a : concise gave a brief description of events promises to be brief

b : curt, abrupt

brief

noun

Definition of brief (Entry 2 of 3)

1a : an official letter or mandate (see mandate entry 1 sense 1) especially, Roman Catholicism : a papal letter less formal than a bull

b : a specific instruction or responsibility his brief was to strengthen the army

2a : a concise article (as in a newspaper) a news brief

b : synopsis, summary

c law : a concise statement of a client's case made out for the instruction of an attorney usually by a law clerk

3 : an outline of an argument especially, law : a formal written presentation of an argument that sets forth the main points with supporting precedents and evidence a legal brief filed a brief

4 briefs plural [ ¹brief ] : short snug pants or underpants wearing briefs

in brief

: in a few words : briefly today's news in brief

brief

Definition of brief

WORD OF THE DAY