Meaning & use
Brussels
Last updated
Meanings
proper nounproper
The capital city of Belgium, where many European Union institutions are based.
Grammar: Written with a capital letter and used without an article.
Patterns
- in Brussels
- to Brussels
The delegates flew to Brussels for the summit.
Brussels is known for its chocolate, waffles and grand central square.
She has lived in Brussels since she took the job with the commission.
proper nounsingularfigurative
Used as shorthand for the European Union and its officials.
Grammar: Used like a name for an institution, often in news reports.
Patterns
- Brussels says something
Brussels has announced new rules on packaging.
Critics claimed the policy was dictated by Brussels.
Farmers are waiting to hear what Brussels decides.
Common combinations
- Brussels sprouts
- We served roasted Brussels sprouts with dinner.
- Brussels waffle
- He bought a Brussels waffle from a street vendor.
- Brussels summit
- The Brussels summit ended late at night.
- Brussels lace
- The veil was made of delicate Brussels lace.
Word family
- Brussels sprout noun
- a small green vegetable like a tiny cabbage
- Belgian adjective
- relating to Belgium
- Bruxellois noun
- a person from Brussels
Commonly confused: Brussels or Bruges?
Brussels vs Bruges
Bruges is a different Belgian city, famous for canals and medieval buildings, and is not the capital.
Practice
Which city is the capital of Belgium?
Choose one answer.
Brussels is the capital. Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges are all Belgian cities but not the capital.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “Brussels”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.