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

Beyoncé’s crew has mastered the art of a creative redesign of the Old Glory masterpiece. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026

Built during the 12th through 16th centuries, these medieval masterpieces were born out of Romanesque architecture, which saw churches designed with thick walls, round arches, and large towers. —Stefanie Waldek, Architectural Digest, 9 Jan. 2026

Further north, Ferndale is a Victorian masterpiece. —Amplified Content Studio, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026

The bride-to-be, meanwhile, flew to Paris to perform while the masterpiece was under construction. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for masterpiece

• altarpiece
• centerpiece
• frontispiece
• mantelpiece
• pilates
• summarise
• syntheses
• apiece
• aris
• assise
• caprice
• cerise

Kids Definition

masterpiece

noun

mas·​ter·​piece ˈmas-tər-ˌpēs 

: a work done with great skill

especially : a supreme intellectual or artistic achievement