mastermind

American  

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

verb (used with object)

masterminds, present (3rd person singular) masterminded, past participle, past masterminding present participle

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

   Two colonels had masterminded the revolt.

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noun

masterminds plural

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

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noun

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

Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• masterminds
  plural

Participles

• masterminding
  present
• masterminded
  past

Conjugated Forms

Present

• mastermind
  simple
• masterminds
  simple
• have masterminded
  perfect
• has masterminded
  perfect
• are masterminding
  progressive
• am masterminding
  progressive
• is masterminding
  progressive
• have been masterminding
  perfect progressive
• has been masterminding
  perfect progressive

Past

• masterminded
  simple
• had masterminded
  perfect
• was masterminding
  progressive
• were masterminding
  progressive
• had been masterminding
  perfect progressive

Future

• will mastermind
  simple
• will have masterminded
  perfect
• will be masterminding
  progressive
• will have been masterminding
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of mastermind

First recorded in 1710–20; master + mind

Explanation

A mastermind is a brilliant thinker with original ideas. You might be a chess mastermind or a criminal mastermind: either way, people will not want to oppose you. Inventors, intellectuals, and famous geniuses call all be called masterminds, from Albert Einstein to theoretical physicist Dr. Shirley Jackson. You could also call people who are successful in their fields — especially if they come up with new ways of doing things — masterminds. Even a brilliant jewel thief might be called a safe-cracking mastermind. As a verb, to mastermind is to act as the leader of some complex plan or scheme.

Example Sentences

Watch Mastermind on BBC iPlayer and apply to be on the next series if you think you can handle sitting in the famous black chair.

From BBC • Dec. 24, 2025

Smith responded by referring to Panesar's appearance in 2019 on BBC TV show Celebrity Mastermind, when he managed only one correct answer in the general knowledge round.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2025

During his Mastermind appearance, Panesar did well on his specialist subject but failed miserably when it came to general knowledge.

From Barron's • Nov. 20, 2025

Panesar admitted he was "surprised" by Smith's decision to bring up his appearance on Celebrity Mastermind, saying he expected a more measured response from the Australian batsman.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2025

She’s been like this ever since she got her Mastermind Inventor ability from the Crystal Ball.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston

Related Words

• organize