Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

magnum opus

American  

noun

  1. a great work, especially the chief work of a writer or artist.

    Proust's magnum opus is Remembrance of Things Past.


magnum opus British  

noun

  1. a great work of art or literature, esp the greatest single work of an artist

"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

magnum opus Cultural  
  1. The most important work in a person's career, especially in literature, art, or scholarship: “Moby Dick was Melville's magnum opus.” From Latin, meaning “great work.”


Etymology

Origin of magnum opus

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1785–95

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.

But for range and ambition, John Dos Passos’ three-volume magnum opus makes a claim to the accolade.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 19, 2026

The following year Skepta released his own magnum opus, Konnichiwa.

From BBC • Oct. 31, 2025

I sank into Randy Carter’s comfy couch, excited to see the Hollywood veteran’s magnum opus.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 14, 2025

Consumers’ Research, the Supreme Court reversed an opinion that Oldham presented as something of a magnum opus.

From Slate • Jul. 10, 2025

“I don’t know what a magnum opus is,” said Wilbur.

From "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "magnum opus" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com