masterpiece

noun

mas·​ter·​piece ˈma-stər-ˌpēs 

1

: a work done with extraordinary skill

especially : a supreme intellectual or artistic achievement

2

: a piece of work presented to a medieval guild as evidence of qualification for the rank of master

Synonyms

• chef d'oeuvre
• classic
• magnum opus
• masterwork

Examples of masterpiece in a Sentence

The painting was immediately recognized as a masterpiece.

Herman Melville's masterpiece was Moby-Dick.

Her study of apes is a masterpiece.

Recent Examples on the Web

The chicken rub recipe and the zippy salad dressing transform basic staples like chicken and carrots into restaurant-quality masterpieces. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025

All that matters is the performance, and Kross is in the midst of weaving a masterpiece of self-promotion. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

Their third quarter was a masterpiece — the kind of frame the Warriors used to put on unsuspecting, lesser teams. —Dieter Kurtenbach, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2025

Some of you will know Victor Kossakovsky’s masterpiece called Sreda (Wednesday). —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 11 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for masterpiece

• altarpiece
• centerpiece
• frontispiece
• mantelpiece
• pilates
• summarise
• syntheses
• apiece
• aris
• assise
• caprice
• cerise

Kids Definition

masterpiece

noun

mas·​ter·​piece ˈmas-tər-ˌpēs 

: a work done with great skill

especially : a supreme intellectual or artistic achievement