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Definition of brainbox

brainbox

/ˈbreɪn.bɑːks/
brain · box
Plural:brainboxes
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brainbox Lexical Profile

brainbox Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

British A very intelligent or academically gifted person.

Example

"My sister was always the brainbox of the family, effortlessly passing her exams while I struggled."

2

The human skull or cranium, specifically the protective bony portion enclosing the brain.

Example

"The boxer took a heavy, disorienting blow to the brainbox and stumbled toward the ropes."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Primarily used in British English as an informal, sometimes affectionate or slightly teasing term for someone who is exceptionally smart.

• Nearby Words

braiding
braille
brain
brainbox
braincase
brainchild
braindead

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'brain' and 'box'. Originally coined in the 19th century as a slang term for the skull, its meaning shifted by the early 20th century to denote a highly intelligent person.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Brainbox. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 7, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/brainbox
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