bring

The verb "bring" is similar to "carry" and "have." When something is in your possession and it’s going from one place to another, you bring it.

• The students brought their books and their notebooks to class.
• Did you bring your lunch to school today?
• Luke is going to bring his girlfriend to meet his parents.
• The jet stream is bringing warm air from the Pacific Ocean.
• Before air travel was possible, large ships brought immigrants to live in the United States.

a large ship

You can also use "bring" when someone carries forward to a new place or time something that is abstract, such as an idea or an ability.

• Mark brings years of experience to his new position in the company.
• Don brought an interesting point of view to the discussion.
• For people who celebrate Thanksgiving, the smell of a roasting turkey can bring back good memories of being with family and friends.
• I hope the new year brings you good luck and success.

The word "bring" is a part of many idioms:

• Graciela was bought up by her parents to have great respect for elderly people. (bring up = raise a child)
• The new supervisor promised to bring about many necessary changes to the company. (bring about = put in place; make happen)
• The sellers brought down the asking price on their house until someone finally made an offer. (bring down = reduce)

"Bring it" and "bring it on" are very popular expressions. They’re used when a person is challenged or threatened in some way:

• Following a big argument, Mike challenged Joe to "bring it on," and suddenly the two men were on the floor fighting.
• President George Bush challenged the Iraqi insurgents to "bring it on" after the invasion of Iraq–and they did.

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November 9, 2012 / Updated on November 19, 2017