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 of masterpiece

• classic
• 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

During summertime, the city’s rooftop bars come alive, showcasing panoramic vistas of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and many of the city’s architectural masterpieces. — Taryn White, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

The masterpieces of the genre have the means to overcome this. — James Parker, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026

Every year, nearly 4 million people come to get lost among the museum's many priceless masterpieces. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026

But after carrying a three-shot lead into the final round, Spieth painted his chaotic masterpiece on Sunday. — Justin Ray, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for masterpiece

• altarpiece
• centerpiece
• frontispiece
• mantelpiece
• pilates
• specialise
• stabilise
• syntheses
• apiece
• aris
• assise
• caprice

Kids Definition

masterpiece

noun

mas·​ter·​piece ˈmas-tər-ˌpēs 

: a work done with great skill

especially : a supreme intellectual or artistic achievement