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
Malanga Malu's father, Christian Malanga, a U.S. national of Congolese origin, was believed to have been the mastermind behind the May attacks on the presidential palace and a Tshisekedi ally's home. Kate Bartlett, NPR, 3 Apr. 2025 The mastermind whose Detroit Lions scored 68 offensive touchdowns in the 2024 regular season while averaging a league-best 33.2 points. Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
That cannot be denied, and nor can the fact that Gian Piero Gasperini has been the man to mastermind their rise to this lofty position. Adam Digby, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 Charles Manson spent the majority of his 83 years behind bars Comments Charles Manson died while serving nine life sentences in 2017 — nearly 50 years after masterminding the 1969 killings of Sharon Tate and eight others in Los Angeles. Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 7 Mar. 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 10 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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