brat

UK: /ˈbræt/ US: /bræt/ ,(brat)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

brat /bræt/   n. [countable]

1. a child who is annoying, spoiled, or impolite.

brat•ty, adj., -ti•er, -ti•est. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

brat  (brat), n. 

1. a child, esp. an annoying, spoiled, or impolite child (usually used in contempt or irritation).

• Celtic; compare Irish brat mantle, cloak
• perh. transferred use of brat rag, Old English bratt cloak 1495–1505

brat′tish, adj. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

brat / bræt/ noun

1. a child, esp one who is ill-mannered or unruly: used contemptuously or playfully

Etymology: 16th Century: perhaps special use of earlier brat rag, from Old English bratt cloak, of Celtic origin; related to Old Irish bratt cloth, brat²