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 craft set comes with eight markers and five stencils to provide artists with inspiration for their masterpieces. Pamela Brill, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025 During the upcoming 100th anniversary of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí’s death, his surrealist masterpiece, Casa Batlló, will open a new exhibition space. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025 Visitors can explore contemporary art at the Centre del Carme, classical masterpieces at the Museum of Fine Arts, or international collections at the new Hortensia Herrero Art Center. Visit València, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025 The Criterion Collection restored and reissued the film in 2008, ensuring its cult classic status, while directors from Martin Scorsese to Guillermo del Toro have publicly cited it as Schrader’s masterpiece. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 1 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 9 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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