brains

word

/ˈbɹeɪnz/
braynz
/bɹˈeɪnz/
braynz

Definition

The brain is the organ inside your head that controls thought, memory, and movement. In informal use, 'brains' can also mean intelligence or the smart person in a group.

Usage & Nuances

Often used as an uncountable noun in the singular for the organ: 'the brain'. The plural 'brains' is common when talking about intelligence ('She has brains') or jokingly about the smart person in a team ('the brains behind the project'). Avoid using it for multiple people's physical brains unless the context is medical or biological.

Example Sentences

The human brains need sleep to work well.

basic

Tom is the brains of our class project.

basic

Everyone thinks Jake is just funny, but he's got brains too.

natural

She has brains and works very hard.

basic

You don't need muscles for this job—just brains.

natural

She's the brains behind the whole operation.

natural