brushstroke

noun

brush·​stroke ˈbrəsh-ˌstrōk How to pronounce brushstroke (audio)
: 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
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.
Two years later, Warhol transformed a BMW M1 Group 4 racing car, applying vivid colors and sweeping brushstrokes in acrylic paint directly onto the bodywork. — Nick Scott, Robb Report, 8 Aug. 2026 Petal picks up the thread of 2024’s eternal sunshine, not only in its brushstroke vocals, but in its thematic thread of toxic-relationship songs that act as a Trojan horse for musings on the ultimate toxic relationship of fame. — Aimee Cliff, Pitchfork, 31 July 2026 The last day on Earth depicted through living oil paintings animated by dense, textured brushstrokes in motion, exploring human emotion. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 28 July 2026 The four men are framed by brushstrokes that evoke railroad tracks. — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for brushstroke

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brushstroke was in 1879

Rhymes for brushstroke

See All Rhymes for brushstroke

Browse Nearby Words

brush shoulders
brushstroke
brush-tailed porcupine
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Cite this Entry

“Brushstroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brushstroke. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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