chef d'oeuvre

noun

chef d'oeu·​vre shā-ˈdœvrᵊ How to pronounce chef d'oeuvre (audio)
(ˌ)shā-ˈdərv,
-ˈdəv
plural chefs d'oeuvre shā-ˈdœvrᵊ How to pronounce chef d'oeuvre (audio)
-ˈdərv(z),
-ˈdəv(z)
: a masterpiece especially in art or literature

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of chef d'oeuvre was in 1619

Dictionary Entries Near chef d'oeuvre

Cite this Entry

“Chef d'oeuvre.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chef%20d%27oeuvre. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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