brushstroke

noun

brush·​stroke ˈbrəsh-ˌstrōk 

: 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

In the 1950s, along with widescreen spectacle and casts of thousands, its brushstrokes were brandished to lure viewers away from the pitifully small black and white square in the living room. —Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025

In great paintings, not every brushstroke is planned – but each is carefully considered and accepted. —John P. Nelson, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2025

Adams plays with contrast in her technique, using bold brushstrokes alongside delicate lines to evoke a sense of freedom and resilience. —Okla Jones, Essence, 20 Feb. 2025

So imagine that as a challenge to really get true brushstrokes onscreen. —Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for brushstroke

• awoke
• baroque
• bespoke
• colloque
• convoke
• evoke
• invoke
• keystroke
• kinfolk
• kinsfolk
• menfolk
• provoke