Plain English Meaning
A quick, to-the-point talk given just before something happens, telling the people involved exactly what they need to know to do the job — nothing more.
Full Definition
A short, focused presentation given before an activity that conveys only the specific information the listener needs in order to perform that activity. It states the purpose, presents the key facts, and ends without elaboration, discussion, or summary.
Context Anchor
You may hear this term before a flight lesson, before a training exercise, during flight planning, or when an instructor explains the plan for the next activity.
Derivation
From the word 'brief,' meaning short. The original Latin 'brevis' means short or concise. The name signals the defining feature: it is meant to be short, with no padding.
Why Pilots Care
A good briefing sets expectations, highlights points, and reduces confusion, which directly improves and safety during the activity that follows.