masterstroke

American

[mas-ter-strohk, mah-ster-] / ˈmæs tərˌstroʊk, ˈmɑ stər- /

Or master stroke

noun

a masterly action or achievement; an extremely skillful or effective action.

War was avoided by a masterstroke of diplomacy.

masterstroke British

/ ˈmɑːstəˌstrəʊk /

noun

an outstanding piece of strategy, skill, talent, etc

your idea is a masterstroke

"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 masterstroke

First recorded in 1670–80; master + stroke ¹

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.

His gift for the president of an "HMS Trump" ship's bell was a masterstroke of deft diplomacy.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

At the time it was billed as a public relations masterstroke for the monarchy, which was now modernizing by welcoming a mixed-race American celebrity into its ranks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

There are plenty of decent companies in other countries—just ask Berkshire Hathaway’s Warren Buffett, whose bet on Japanese trading companies is rapidly turning out to be a late-career masterstroke.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

Holland's arrival as part of a coaching team that also includes former England international Jonathan Woodgate, former United defender Jonny Evans and the club's under-21 coach Travis Binnion has been viewed as a masterstroke.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

Roiben’s joining the High Court of Elfhame is widely considered to be a masterstroke of diplomacy, negotiated by Prince Dain against Madoc’s wishes.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

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