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

These young dancers will perform a mix of classical masterpieces and bold contemporary works by upcoming choreographers. —Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026

Luiselli’s masterpiece is at once a road trip, an intimate look at a blended family, and a work of impassioned social criticism. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026

Whether you're drawn to Renaissance masterpieces, modern installations, or contemporary American art, there's no doubt that the United States has some of the world's most prestigious art museums. —Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2026

Here, however, his anti-authoritarian antics perfectly light up one of cinema's great masterpieces. —Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 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