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
This attack on the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage shocked the nation; a Pakistani LeT commander, Abu Ismail, was identified as the mastermind. Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025 The Diamond Heist, which premiered on April 16, follows the story of Lee Wenham, one of the masterminds behind what would have been one of the biggest jewel thefts in history. Jessica Sager, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
Granddaughter of Adele Fendi, who founded the family business with a leather goods and luggage shop in Rome in 1925, Venturini Fendi is perhaps best known as the woman who in 1997 masterminded the iconic Baguette bag, and as the designer of Fendi menswear since 2000. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2025 Local architecture firm the Brooklyn Studio and its partner Brendan Coburn, who grew up down the block from the property and now lives around the corner, had masterminded several similar projects in the neighborhood. David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 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 5 May. 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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