What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hairbrush
Example
She brushed her hair with a hairbrush before leaving the house. [hairbrush: noun]
Example
He is always careful to choose the right hairbrush for his thick, curly hair. [hairbrush: noun]
brush
Example
She used a brush to clean the dust off the shelves. [brush: noun]
Example
He brushed the paint onto the canvas with a small brush. [brush: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Brush is a more commonly used word than hairbrush in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts beyond hair grooming.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hairbrush and brush?
Hairbrush is associated with a more formal tone, as it is primarily used for personal grooming, while brush can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on its intended use.
