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

With its unmatched views, pristine acreage, and sprawling creative spaces, the estate is a masterpiece awaiting its next collector. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2026

The second half begins with Bertolucci’s masterpiece, the self-explanatory 1900 (1976), a period epic featuring, together for the first time, Robert de Niro and Gerard Depardieu. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026

An architectural masterpiece, Boston Public Library’s central branch and its neighbor Copley Square are priority stops on any trip to Boston. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Sep. 2026

The 1984 film helped vault Kyle MacLachlan to the A-list, and played no small part in furthering Lynch toward the masterpieces that would later sweep audiences away, from Blue Velvet to Wild at Heart. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 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