chef-d'oeuvre

American  

[she-dœ-vr^uh] / ʃɛˈdœ vrə /

noun

plural

chefs-d'oeuvre

1. a masterpiece, especially in art, literature, or music.

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chef-d'oeuvre British  

/ ʃɛdœvrə /

noun

1. a masterpiece

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Etymology

Origin of chef-d'oeuvre

Borrowed into English from French around 1610–20

Example Sentences

Thirty-five years after "Die Hard" hit theaters, the Bruce Willis vehicle maintains its rep as a chef-d'oeuvre due to its perennial relevance.

From Salon • Jul. 18, 2023

Frears’ chef-d’oeuvre has everything: accessibly rooted in a true story, it has a powerful but controlled display of emotions, is tempered with poignancy and wit, and has great performances from stars and supporting cast.

From The Guardian • Apr. 16, 2020

UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance is presenting Mac's chef-d'oeuvre, "A 24-Decade History of Popular Music," in a four-show series at the Theatre at Ace Hotel beginning Thursday.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2018

And though his ability to recollect anything, even his name, is pretty much shot, some ember of ambition lets him hope that his recorded voice will tell him how to finish his chef-d’oeuvre.

From New York Times • Feb. 16, 2012

Oh, Mæcenas! is there no difference between the chef-d'oeuvre of the great Stickleback, and the town of Dover and a post-chaise.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine — Volume 55, No. 342, April, 1844 by Various