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.

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magnum opus British  

noun

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

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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.”

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Etymology

Origin of magnum opus

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1785–95

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

magnum opus

“Pound’s Cantos have their rewards, but the rewards come intermittently,” he writes of the poet’s eccentric magnum opus.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 2026

Much has been said already about Bad Bunny’s magnum opus; the album is a generation-spanning, full-throated celebration of boricua resilience, and simultaneously a pointed warning about the ongoing neocolonization of La Isla del Encanto.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 16, 2025

In a landmark event for film lovers, the fully restored, uncut version of Ramesh Sippy's 1975 magnum opus will have its world premiere at Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna, Italy, on Friday.

From BBC ● Jun. 25, 2025

It’s a magnum opus from the culinary icon behind Kogi, “L.A. Son,” and “The Chef Show” — a book built on balance and compassion.

From Salon ● May 23, 2025

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

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