masterpiece

noun

mas·​ter·​piece ˈma-stər-ˌpēs How to pronounce masterpiece (audio)
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

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 With that, a fun advertising masterpiece, unfortunately, didn’t have a chance for best picture. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2024 And now, what was supposed to be a limited 12-week run on Broadway has been extended multiple times, giving audiences ample opportunity to rediscover one of Sondheim’s most misunderstood masterpieces. Keaton Bell, Vogue, 15 Mar. 2024 Though both of these James Whale masterpieces hold up remarkably well, the 1935 sequel surpasses the original Frankenstein — itself a great movie — in terms of style. Katie Rife, EW.com, 12 Mar. 2024 His sons acknowledge that the book doesn’t rank among García Márquez’s masterpieces, and fear that some might dismiss the publication as a cynical effort to make more money off their father’s legacy. Alexandra Alter, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2024 The Requiem by French composer Maurice Duruflé is considered one of the great sacred masterpieces of the 20th century. Patrick Neas, Kansas City Star, 1 Mar. 2024 Birth, a wintry little masterpiece, showcases what could well be her richest performance. Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2024 The Best Walkie-Talkies of 2024 Perler Marvel Avengers Fuse Bead Kit $18 This Marvel Avengers bead kit includes everything kids need to make their own masterpiece: 4,500 beads, a pegboard, ironing paper, and one pattern sheet with easy-to-understand instructions. Erica Puisis, Parents, 9 Mar. 2024 During lockdown, many Black women discovered they were gifted with our ancestors’ ability to turn coils into braided masterpieces. Annie Blay, Allure, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'masterpiece.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of masterpiece was in 1600

Dictionary Entries Near masterpiece

Cite this Entry

“Masterpiece.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masterpiece. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

masterpiece

noun
mas·​ter·​piece ˈmas-tər-ˌpēs How to pronounce masterpiece (audio)
: a work done with great skill
especially : a supreme intellectual or artistic achievement

More from Merriam-Webster on masterpiece

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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