brief

If something is brief, it is for a short time.

Example: Today there will be brief periods of rain.

If a piece of clothing such as shorts or a skirt is brief, it is short.

Example: One of them was naked, the other wore only a pair of brief shorts.

A brief is a short piece of writing or a short talk.

Example: They've been asked to file briefs, stating why they think the case should not be heard.

Briefs are short underpants.

Example: Could you tell whether he was wearing briefs or boxers under his trousers?

You use in brief to show that you will speak or write in a short way.

Example: In brief, the results suggest that coffee is not harmful in small amounts.