brook

A small natural stream of flowing water.

• A brook runs through the garden.
• We crossed the brook on a wooden bridge.
• Several brooks flow down from the hills.

Similar words: stream, creek

Common phrases: small brook, babbling brook, brook water

Low, wet grassland, often beside a stream.

• Cattle grazed in the brook beside the stream.
• Heavy rain flooded the low brooks.
• The old map labels this wet meadow as a brook.

Similar words: water meadow, marshland

Common phrases: wet brook, brook pasture, low brook

To accept or allow something unpleasant, usually used when saying you will not allow it.

• She would brook no nonsense.
• The captain brooked no delay in carrying out his orders.
• His tone made clear that he would brook no argument.

How to use it: brook no something (The director would brook no interference in her work.)

Similar words: tolerate, allow, put up with

Common phrases: brook no delay, brook no opposition, brook no interference

To have something and enjoy using it or benefiting from it.

• He hoped to brook his inheritance in peace.
• She brooked the estate for many years.
• May you brook these lands and enjoy their fruits.

Similar words: enjoy, use, possess

Common phrases: brook the land, brook an estate, brook someone’s wealth