ˈmæstɚˌpiːs 
British ˈmɑːstəˌpiːs
plural masterpieces
1
: a great book, painting, piece of music, movie, etc.
a literary/cinematic masterpiece
The painting was immediately recognized as a masterpiece.
also
: the best book, painting, piece of music, movie, etc., by a particular person
Herman Melville's masterpiece was Moby-Dick.
2
: something done with great skill
a masterpiece of planning
Her study of apes is a masterpiece.
Cite this Entry
“Masterpiece.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/masterpiece. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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