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

Zafferano’s wide stripe offers plenty of visual interest while still allowing your culinary masterpiece to take center stage. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 23 June 2026

The finish was emphatic, the perfect conclusion to a miniature masterpiece. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 23 June 2026

Sign up for a class, or create your own one-of-a-kind art mosaic masterpiece using glass and resin. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 23 June 2026

That includes some of Rudy’s old childhood masterpieces — like his energetic, witty, blue superhero friend, Snap (Candi Milo). — Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 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