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

Three Homer masterpieces—The Smudge Fire, The Young Huntsman, and The Blue Boat—loomed up in my mind’s eye. — Angus Cameron, Outdoor Life, 11 Nov. 2026

The Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam came alive recently as a renowned tattoo artist brought 17th-century masterpieces to life on visitors' skin. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 11 Nov. 2026

Corben is pleased with the outcome, despite knowing diehards might take issue with Rakontur messing around with a masterpiece with a few clicks on a computer. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026

Hit your marks, deliver award-winning performances, then watch your masterpiece on the big screen. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 Nov. 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