mastermind

1 of 2

noun

mas·​ter·​mind ˈma-stər-ˌmīnd How to pronounce mastermind (audio)
ˌmas-tər-ˈ
: a person who supplies the directing or creative intelligence for a project

mastermind

2 of 2

verb

masterminded; masterminding; masterminds

transitive verb

: to be the mastermind of

Examples of mastermind in a Sentence

Noun the mastermind behind the terrorist plot the real mastermind behind the embezzlement scheme Verb They masterminded a unique solution to the problem. He masterminded the bank robbery.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Kennedy’s close friend and sometime co-counsel Michael Tigar wrote in his own biography that Timothy later pointed a finger at Kennedy, calling him the mastermind, in order to seek revenge after their future falling-out. Susannah Cahalan, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025 Emboldened by a dirty martini backstage, Rogen jumped in with a none-too-subtle reference to past attendee and current DOGE mastermind Elon Musk. Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
With a premiere date set for July 9, the long-running Comedy Central series, masterminded by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, is coming back with all the irreverence fans have come to expect. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 2 Apr. 2025 Malina Stearns, a special effects makeup artist, masterminded Doja Cat’s look at the 2023 Met Gala, where the popstar embodied Karl Lagerfeld’s beloved cat in a custom Oscar de la Renta gown and facial prosthetics. Kyle MacNeill, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mastermind

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1872, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mastermind was in 1872

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Cite this Entry

“Mastermind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mastermind. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

mastermind

noun
mas·​ter·​mind
ˈmas-tər-ˌmīnd,
ˌmas-tər-ˈmīnd
: a person who invents or directs a project
mastermind verb

More from Merriam-Webster on mastermind

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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