chef d'oeuvre

noun

chef d'oeu·​vre shā-ˈdœvrᵊ 

(ˌ)shā-ˈdərv,

-ˈdəv

plural chefs d'oeuvre shā-ˈdœvrᵊ 

-ˈdərv(z),

-ˈdəv(z)

: a masterpiece especially in art or literature

Synonyms

• classic
• magnum opus
• masterpiece
• masterwork

Examples of chef d'oeuvre in a Sentence

the sculptor labored for 15 years on his chef d'oeuvre

Word History

Etymology

French chef-d'oeuvre, literally, leading work

First Known Use

1619, in the meaning defined above