masterpiece

[mas-ter-pees, mah-ster-]

noun

1. a person's greatest piece of work, as in an art.

2. anything done with masterly skill.

   a masterpiece of improvisation.

3. a consummate example of skill or excellence of any kind.

   The chef 's cake was a masterpiece.

4. a piece made by a person aspiring to the rank of master in a guild or other craft organization as a proof of competence.

masterpiece

/ ˈmɑːstəˌpiːs, ˈmɑːstəˌwɜːk /

noun

1. an outstanding work, achievement, or performance

2. the most outstanding piece of work of a creative artist, craftsman, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of masterpiece¹

1570–80; master + piece, modeled on Dutch meesterstuk, German Meisterstück

Word History and Origins

Origin of masterpiece¹

C17: compare Dutch meesterstuk, German Meisterstück, a sample of work submitted to a guild by a craftsman in order to qualify for the rank of master

Example Sentences

With new additions, the museum continues to build its impressive collection of masterpieces.

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To say he has had a false start at Anfield is a masterpiece of understatement.

Read more on BBC

“Set on nearly an acre of pristine waterfront, this five-bedroom, six-bathroom, 5,777-square-foot masterpiece is designed for both elegance and entertainment,” the listing crows—before drawing attention to the home’s very splashy star quality.

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No wonder the play is considered a masterpiece.

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“Mr. Gibbon,” he announced, and held up the first volume of Mr. Edward Gibbon’s masterpiece of historical narrative, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.

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Related Words

• classic 
• gem 
• jewel 
• monument 
• treasure