masterpiece

American  

[mas-ter-pees, mah-ster-] / ˈmæs tərˌpis, ˈmɑ stər- /

noun

• masterpieces
  plural

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.

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masterpiece British  

/ ˈmɑːstəˌpiːs /

noun

1. an outstanding work, achievement, or performance

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

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• masterpieces
  plural

Etymology

Origin of masterpiece

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

Explanation

Many people have to agree that a painting or a novel is wonderful, and they usually need to feel that way for years, in order for it to be considered a true masterpiece. An artist or writer is generally capable of creating only one masterpiece in her lifetime, if she makes a masterpiece at all. When an art historian or English teacher uses it, the word masterpiece implies a truly sublime, amazing creation. You can also describe something that's simply great as a masterpiece, like the seven-layer chocolate cake your mom baked for your birthday. Masterpiece comes from the Dutch meesterstuk, "work by which a craftsman attains the rank of master."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

masterpiece masterpieces

After taking pole position with a lap his team principal Andrea Stella described as "a masterpiece", Norris was leading Antonelli by more than six seconds after 13 laps in Madrid.

From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026

In another writer’s hands, the soft-handed seat-fillers of his slacker masterpiece “Office Space” would be contemptible.

From Salon ● Sep. 6, 2026

The academy’s show is installed in its newly renovated landmark building, a Victorian masterpiece designed by the architect Frank Furness of the noted firm Furness & Hewitt.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 5, 2026

Might not the NSO make a point with “Three Mediations” from “MASS,” Bernstein’s multimedia masterpiece that controversially opened Kennedy Center in 1974.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 20, 2026

But in Miss Penelope Lumley’s day, Mr. Hugo’s masterpiece had not yet been written.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

This is a rare chance to encounter one of the world’s masterpieces, contemplate the origins of the modern monarchy, and learn about medieval life firsthand from a work once more on its home soil.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 2026

If you aim to walk around the striking building to view a mishmash of masterpieces, children’s illustrations, movie memorabilia that’s heavy on “Star Wars” and comic strips, you’ll have a good time.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026

Julian Gascoigne, senior director in Sotheby's paintings department, said it was one of Landseer's great Highland masterpieces.

From BBC ● Jul. 2, 2026

Estimated by art historians to have been begun sometime after 1317, the frescoes are considered to be one of Giotto di Bondone's masterpieces.

From Barron's ● Jun. 12, 2026

Back on the ground, we stroll along the quays bordering the Seine, where so many writers walked for centuries before penning their masterpieces.

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins

Related Words

• classic
• gem
• jewel
• monument
• treasure