Brit.
Writing & Everyday abbreviation · Grammar and Dictionary
| Stands for | British |
|---|---|
| Categories | Writing & Everyday |
Brit. stands for British, a grammar and dictionary abbreviation.
Labels a word, sense or spelling used chiefly in British English, such as "lorry," "flat" for apartment or "colour." American dictionaries use it to flag terms an American reader may not know.
Example: lorry (n.) chiefly Brit. a large motor vehicle for carrying goods; a truck
Usage notes
The label often combines with "chiefly," meaning the use is common in Britain but not exclusive to it. British dictionaries reverse the practice, labeling American terms "US" or "N. Amer." Spelling differences such as -our/-or largely date from Noah Webster's reforms in the early 19th century. Informally, "Brit" is also a noun for a British person.