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mastermind

American  
[mas-ter-mahynd, mah-ster-] / ˈmæs tərˌmaɪnd, ˈmɑ stər- /

verb (used with object)

  1. to plan and direct (a usually complex project or activity), especially skillfully.

    Two colonels had masterminded the revolt.

noun

  1. a person who originates or is primarily responsible for the execution of a particular idea, project, or the like.

    the masterminds of company policy.
mastermind British  
/ ˈmɑːstəˌmaɪnd /

verb

  1. (tr) to plan and direct (a complex undertaking)

    he masterminded the robbery
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a person of great intelligence or executive talent, esp one who directs an undertaking

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of mastermind

First recorded in 1710–20; master + mind

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The church had previous accused successive governments of failing to identify the masterminds behind the bombings.

From Barron's

The Los Angeles Lakers honored legendary coach Pat Riley, mastermind of the team's 1980s "Showtime" era, with a statue outside Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.

From Barron's

Authorities say several suspects, including the alleged mastermind, remain under active investigation, with further arrests expected.

From BBC

Not a bad prediction from the 36-year-old, who has masterminded Rangers' resurgent form.

From BBC

Both men are indebted to a mastermind who organizes such jobs—Money, played by Nick Nolte.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.