brownnose

verb

brown·​nose ˈbrau̇(n)-ˌnōz How to pronounce brownnose (audio)
brownnosed; brownnosing; brownnoses

transitive verb

informal + disparaging
: to ingratiate oneself with : curry favor with
brownnose noun
brownnoser noun

Examples of brownnose in a Sentence

He has been brownnosing everyone in the company just to get a bigger office.

Word History

Etymology

from the implication that servility is equivalent to having one's nose in the anus of the person from whom advancement is sought

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brownnose was in 1938

Dictionary Entries Near brownnose

brownness

brownnose

brown oak

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Brownnose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brownnose. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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