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
The 30 Rock mastermind reflected on the pressures of writing the forthcoming Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special during an interview with The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon alongside her friend and frequent collaborator Amy Poehler. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 14 Feb. 2025 However, things go sideways when an assassination attempt is made on Ross’ life, Sam’s friend Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) is blamed, and Sam has to figure out the mastermind behind it all. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025
Verb
It was masterminded by Guido Spinello and Salvatore Lo Giudice—Taormina locals and founders of the luxury local travel company Sicily Lifestyle. Andrew Sessa, Robb Report, 18 Feb. 2025 To make sure there are no objections to the wedding, Ian masterminds an elaborate scheme to abduct his American relatives involving a mysterious flat tire and disappearing hotel reservation instead of just inviting them over. Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 16 Feb. 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

Dictionary Entries Near mastermind

Cite this Entry

“Mastermind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mastermind. Accessed 21 Feb. 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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