Entry Word: composition

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a literary, musical, or artistic production <the compositions of Michelangelo include the dome of St. Peterʼs, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and his monumental statue of David>

Synonyms opus, piece, work

Related Words classic, magnum opus, masterpiece, pièce de résistance, showpiece; model, outline, sketch; étude

2 a short piece of writing done as a school exercise <a teacher who is fond of having her class write compositions>

Synonyms paper, theme

Related Words article, essay, story

3 the way in which the elements of something (as a work of art) are arranged <student photographers learn the importance of composition in creating striking images>

Synonyms arrangement, configuration, design, form, format, layout, makeup, pattern

Related Words motif, theme

4 a short piece of writing typically expressing a point of view <submitted a composition to the local newspaper> — see essay 1