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

Yet despite its modest scale, the brushstrokes of this extraordinary artist possess a freedom and vitality that create an astonishing range of textures. — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026

Vahl paints a stark portrait of the town and its few inhabitants — basically three men left in charge of a few dozen others — in succinct brushstrokes that combine the remote pastoral locations with flashes of gore and violence. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

This toaster trades your MacKenzie-Childs classic black-and-white check print for a bold red-and-white pattern in the brand’s signature brushstroke style. — Sarah Scott, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2026

Almost like brushstrokes, as the models moved down the runway, the walls behind them would follow their movements, offering the audience a living sketch of time. — Mary Wenthur, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026

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