magnum opus

noun

mag·​num opus ˈmag-nəm-ˈō-pəs 

: a great work

especially : the greatest achievement of an artist or writer

Did you know?

You may recognize magnum (meaning "great") as a Latin word that shows up in altered forms in several English words, and perhaps you can also come up with a few words that are related to opus ("work"). Magnitude, magnanimous, opulent, and operate are some obvious relations of the two. Magnum opus, which entered English in the 18th century, retains the original Latin spelling and the literal meaning "great work." Although the term most often refers to literary, musical, or artistic productions, it has been used to describe many kinds of great works, including games, construction projects, and even surgical techniques.

Synonyms

• chef d'oeuvre
• classic
• masterpiece
• masterwork

Examples of magnum opus in a Sentence

His last novel was his magnum opus.

this symphony is usually considered Beethoven's magnum opus

Recent Examples on the Web

Now Vault is releasing Hysteria: The Graphic Novel, a book that shares its title with Def Leppard’s magnum opus but little else. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2024

Swift has 18 shows left on her two-year magnum opus. —Bryan West, USA TODAY, 7 Oct. 2024

The word unique is used way too much nowadays, but La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s magnum opus in Barcelona, is a rare architectural marvel that really is one-of-a-kind. —Michael Y. Park, Architectural Digest, 23 Sep. 2024

Seeing Frazier’s seminal series unfold Seeing her magnum opus of a series unfold throughout these first galleries helps solidify the importance of her legacy right away. —Shameekia Shantel Johnson, ARTnews.com, 7 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

magnum opus

noun

mag·​num opus ˌmag-nə-ˈmō-pəs 

: a great work and especially the greatest achievement of an artist or writer