oeuvre

noun

oeu·​vre ˈu̇-vrə 

ˈər-, 

ˈə-, 

ˈœ- 

plural oeuvres ˈu̇-vrə 

ˈə(r)-, 

ˈœ- 

: a substantial body of work constituting the lifework of a writer, an artist, or a composer

a catalogue of Rembrandt's oeuvre

scrupulously examines Dickens' oeuvre in order to demonstrate how his convictions helped to determine the shape of his novels

—G. J. Worth

Synonyms of oeuvre

• output
• corpus

Examples of oeuvre in a Sentence

a novel that occupies a relatively minor position in the author's oeuvre

Recent Examples on the Web

As scholars now know, Capa’s early oeuvre encompassed works by both him and Taro. — Alissa Simon, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026

Big Daddy If your tweens and teens aren’t familiar with Adam Sandler’s film oeuvre, start them here. — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026

The pumpkin, perhaps the most recognizable motifs in her oeuvre today, became increasingly prominent in her work during this period. — Tessa Solomon For Artnews, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026

Within the oeuvre of the Muppets’ cinematic and televisual work, Miss Piggy hasn’t ever wholly been a punch line — her image is too dexterous for that. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, literally, "work," going back to Old French ovre, going back to Latin opera "activity, effort, attention, work," collective derivative from oper-, opus "work, effort, product of labor" — more at opus

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for oeuvre

• louvre