oeuvre

noun

oeu·vre ˈu̇-vrə

ˈər-,

ˈə-,

ˈœ-

plural oeuvres ˈu̇-vrə

ˈə(r)-,

ˈœ-

Synonyms of oeuvre next

: a substantial body of work constituting the lifework of a writer, an artist, or a composer

a catalogue of Rembrandt's oeuvre

scrupulously examines Dickens' oeuvre in order to demonstrate how his convictions helped to determine the shape of his novels—

G. J. Worth

Examples of oeuvre in a Sentence

a novel that occupies a relatively minor position in the author's oeuvre

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The play takes its name from a painting by the artist Romare Bearden, whose oeuvre served as a frequent inspiration for Wilson. —

Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 10 Dec. 2024 But that show’s depiction of Cunanan’s violence, focusing solely on the spectacle of his actions, is in keeping with Murphy’s true-crime oeuvre. —

Alessa Dominguez, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2024 The two words encapsulated the oeuvre of Stewart, then a model turned Wall Street stockbroker turned sought-after caterer. —

Mel Studach, Architectural Digest, 1 Nov. 2024 The two words encapsulated the oeuvre of Stewart, then a model turned Wall Street stockbroker turned caterer. —

Mel Studach, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for oeuvre

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, literally, "work," going back to Old French ovre, going back to Latin opera "activity, effort, attention, work," collective derivative from oper-, opus "work, effort, product of labor" — more at opus

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of oeuvre was in 1889

See more words from the same year