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

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

Amodei’s broad-brushstroke proposals include independent monitoring of AI models as they’re developed, and global agreements on safety standards and security issues. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 15 Sep. 2026

Some Grouper tracks are cosmic, with synths appearing like auroras along the firmament; others use wispy, haunted vocals and acoustic guitar like gentle brushstrokes on a boundless canvas. — Rhoda Feng, New Yorker, 4 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