brushstroke

noun

brush·​stroke ˈbrəsh-ˌstrōk 

: 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

Leonardo da Vinci was a contemplative genius, reportedly staring at The Last Supper for hours before adding a single brushstroke and walking away. —Joseph Jebelli, CNBC, 23 July 2025

Confidence starts within and my job is to reflect that back to them with every brushstroke. —Essence, 21 July 2025

Less than a year after Barbara Gladstone passed away at age 89, the influential art dealer’s longtime New York City home has popped up for sale, asking a brushstroke under $12 million. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 10 June 2025

Its finish is long and lush, painting the palate with broad brushstrokes of butterscotch and cinnamon. —Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for brushstroke

• awoke
• baroque
• bespoke
• colloque
• convoke
• evoke
• invoke
• keystroke
• kinfolk
• kinsfolk
• menfolk
• provoke