1. marks or lines made by moving a brush across a surface, especially in painting
Usage: plural form; typically used in art and painting contexts
2. a distinctive style or manner of doing something; a characteristic approach or technique
Usage: figurative use

Examples

• The artist's bold brushstrokes gave the painting a dynamic, energetic quality.
• You can see the influence of impressionism in the loose brushstrokes throughout the canvas.
• With a few quick brushstrokes, she sketched the outline of the landscape.
• The painting's delicate brushstrokes show the artist's careful attention to detail.
• His writing style is characterized by broad brushstrokes rather than intricate detail.
• The director painted the scene with broad brushstrokes, focusing on the emotional impact.