brushstroke

noun

brush·​stroke ˈbrəsh-ˌstrōk How to pronounce brushstroke (audio)
: the configuration given to paint by contact with the bristles of a brush
also : the paint left on a surface by a single application of a brush or palette knife
often used figuratively to describe the quality especially of a narrative or description
a story told in broad brushstrokes

Examples of brushstroke in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Looking beyond an artist’s brushstrokes can shed fresh light on his inspiration. Danny Heitman, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 May 2024 But the show’s book by Carson Kreitzer and Matt Gould is nothing but brushstrokes, widely, and at times wildly, drawn. Frank Rizzo, Variety, 15 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for brushstroke 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brushstroke.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brushstroke was in 1879

Dictionary Entries Near brushstroke

Cite this Entry

“Brushstroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brushstroke. Accessed 31 May. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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