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Synonyms

work of art

American  

noun

  1. a piece of creative work in the arts, especially a painting or sculpture.

  2. a product that gives aesthetic pleasure and that can be judged separately from any utilitarian considerations.


work of art British  

noun

  1. a piece of fine art, such as a painting or sculpture

  2. something that may be likened to a piece of fine art, esp in beauty, intricacy, etc

"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

Etymology

Origin of work of art

First recorded in 1825–35

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.

See Examples For:

The work of art is remarkably well preserved and is believed to have never been restored.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026

"This is really about bringing two countries with this incredible showcase together to collaborate," Cullinan said, acknowledging the role of the tapestry as a "supreme work of art within French culture".

From Barron's ● Jul. 10, 2026

Rather than simply endure the inquiry, Weist transformed it into a work of art.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026

In perhaps no other capital around the world does the seat of government face a work of art in such conscious equilibrium.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 3, 2026

And even the most painstaking piece of craft does not deserve to be called a work of art unless it involves a leap of the imagination.

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson

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