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
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Noun
Alleged mastermind Khedache is now completely deaf and had to read the court's instructions on a screen. Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 23 May 2025 SeaWorld mastermind George Millay creates Wet ‘n Wild, a water park on International Drive. Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2025
Verb
And Sally Hawkins’ character (Laura!) seems creepy as hell in the horror movie, masterminded by directors Danny and Michael Philippou (Talk to Me), due out May 30. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025 This isn’t a hotel, but instead, a collection of five properties spread across the city that have been masterminded by the company’s inimitable cofounder and creative director, Hana Tsukamoto. Christina Liao, Vogue, 15 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 28 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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