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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This engineering masterpiece required revolutionary construction techniques, including using hydraulic systems to launch the deck across the valley. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025 Fairmont Chateau Whistler‘s 519-room fairy-tale château, which sits in a forest of snow-frosted evergreens, is a masterpiece of ski resort hospitality. Adam H. Graham, AFAR Media, 14 Oct. 2025 The avant-soul album is considered a masterpiece, with Pitchfork ranking it the ninth-best album of the 2010s. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2025 The contemporary architectural masterpiece was designed by Mark Sultana of DSDG Architects and is now being offered for sale by its current owners, a former fashion executive and her husband. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for masterpiece

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of masterpiece was in 1600

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Cite this Entry

“Masterpiece.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masterpiece. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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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