work of art
Americannoun
-
a piece of creative work in the arts, especially a painting or sculpture.
-
a product that gives aesthetic pleasure and that can be judged separately from any utilitarian considerations.
noun
-
a piece of fine art, such as a painting or sculpture
-
something that may be likened to a piece of fine art, esp in beauty, intricacy, etc
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.
"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
I sit for a slice of tarta de Santiago, almond and lemon and a work of art itself.
From Salon ● Jun. 23, 2026
In 2023 Banksy called it his "favourite work of art in the UK", and it is was the reason he chose to hold his first exhibition in 14 years at the gallery.
From BBC ● Jun. 17, 2026
The court issued a default judgment and said the Stratocaster was a copyrightable work of art.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 27, 2026
Only one person could have designed the outfit, at first glance utterly utilitarian, at second a work of art.
From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.