brownnose

Word parts

brown + nose

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

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Noun

Singular brownnose

Plural brownnoses

1. (countable) (figurative) A brownnose is an obsequious person.
   • Synonyms: bootlicker, ass-kisser and sycophant

Verb

Plain form brownnose

Third-person singular brownnoses

Past tense brownnosed

Past participle brownnosed

Present participle brownnosing

1. If you brownnose a person, you flatter them in an obsequious way.