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, ˈmɑːstəˌwɜːk /

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

Called out for bows, composer and singer fell into each other’s arms with the same ardor they had brought to the creation of their masterpiece.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

“Cool Machine” is a modern masterpiece and an ode to New York, no matter that rats skitter and cockroaches scamper underfoot.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026

“A masterpiece property fit for royalty. … A home crafted with love and intention,” it goes on, after calling attention to the resort-style pool and koi pond.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 20, 2026

The early medieval masterpiece, which tells the story of the events leading up to 1066 and the Norman Conquest, is being checked over by French and British conservators ahead of going on display in September.

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

And I thought, too, that it would be a masterpiece or at least make me a lot of money, since the subject was so big.

From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut

The cat may be evolution’s artwork, but it is the dog that holds sway in prints and paintings, and in many cases transforms them into masterpieces.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

It was the year Glass wrote “Einstein on the Beach” and Steve Reich created “Music for 18 Musicians” — the composers’ first masterpieces — demonstrating that Minimalism mattered.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 2, 2026

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

From BBC ● Jun. 16, 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

Bobby wanted to scrutinize the library and view Schmid’s chess art masterpieces.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Related Words

• classic
• gem
• jewel
• monument
• treasure