BusinessJuly 5, 2026

masterstroke

/ˈmæstərˌstroʊk/

Definition

A highly skillful, clever, and effective action or strategy that achieves a significant result.

Etymology

The word combines 'master' (from the Latin 'magister,' meaning a leader or chief) and 'stroke' (from Old English, referring to a single blow or action). It evolved to describe a decisive, expert-level maneuver similar to a winning move in a game like chess.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe how the strategic management of U.S. debt was a pivotal and brilliant move that helped establish the country as a global financial superpower. It frames this past policy decision as a success that was both revolutionary and impactful.

America’s entrepreneurial boom begins long before venture capital

Read the full article ↗

Fortune

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.

Not for marketing. One email on launch day.