masterpiece

masterpiece — noun

1. a painting, book, film, or other work of art that is created with extraordinary

1.nounB2
Definition

a painting, book, film, or other work of art that is created with extraordinary skill and is widely considered among the best of its kind.

Example

Hari spent nearly three years carefully painting his masterpiece on a large canvas.

The museum's new exhibit features a masterpiece by the French painter Monet.

Common collocations
  • paint a masterpiece
  • write a masterpiece
  • create a masterpiece
  • cinematic masterpiece
  • artistic masterpiece
  • literary masterpiece
  • acknowledged masterpiece
Synonyms
  • masterwork

    less common; more neutral, slightly less admiring

  • magnum opus

    refers specifically to an artist's single greatest work, often lifelong

  • classic

    emphasises enduring quality and influence over time

Antonyms
  • failure

    a work that falls short of expectations

Grammar Patterns

a masterpiece

masterpiece of [art form]

consider + noun + masterpiece

Usage Note

Frequently used with of to name the art form: a masterpiece of poetry / of cinema / of Renaissance painting. The verb consider is a common collocating verb: critics consider it a masterpiece.

Common Mistakes

This is a masterpiece cake' (using it as a general compliment).
This cake is a masterpiece of baking.
masterpiece should name the craft or domain, not be used as a simple adjective.

2. something made or done with such great skill that it serves as a brilliant examp

2.nounB2
Definition

something made or done with such great skill that it serves as a brilliant example of its kind, even when it is not a formal work of art — for example, a well-crafted piece of furniture, a cleverly designed building, or a perfectly prepared meal.

Example

After years of practice, the chef called her chocolate cake a true masterpiece of baking.

a true masterpiece of [domain] — emphasising authenticity of the skill

Hugo's design for the suspension bridge was a masterpiece of modern engineering.

a masterpiece of [domain] — naming the field of expertise

Common collocations
  • masterpiece of engineering
  • masterpiece of design
  • masterpiece of cooking
  • masterpiece of craftsmanship
  • true masterpiece
  • absolute masterpiece
Synonyms
  • tour de force

    more dramatic; implies difficulty or virtuosity was on display

  • triumph

    emphasises success over difficulty or obstacles

  • gem

    informal; suggests something small but perfectly formed

Antonyms
  • disaster

    something that went very wrong

  • mess

    informal; something poorly done

Grammar Patterns

a masterpiece of [domain/skill]

Usage Note

Almost always used in the pattern a masterpiece of + noun phrase naming the domain or skill. The object described need not be a traditional art form — cooking, engineering, gardening, and craftsmanship are all common. Unlike sense 1, this sense is not used for paintings, books, or films.

Common Mistakes

This is a masterpiece furniture.
This piece of furniture is a masterpiece of design.
masterpiece requires a domain (of + noun) and cannot directly modify a noun like an adjective.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe something of high quality, but they differ in scope and connotation. Masterpiece is the everyday term for any outstanding work of art; masterwork is a less common, more neutral synonym that can sound slightly more formal. Magnum opus is reserved for an artist's single greatest achievement — Picasso's Guernica is his magnum opus, but he painted many masterpieces. Classic describes a work that has stood the test of time and remains widely admired (e.g., a classic film). Tour de force emphasises the display of virtuosity or effort: a performance that amazes audiences through sheer difficulty. Use classic for lasting cultural influence, magnum opus for a career-defining work, and tour de force for a single dazzling performance or creation.

masterworkmagnum opusclassic ↗tour de force

Common collocations

Adverbs

Phrases

  • be hailed as a masterpiece
  • be regarded as a masterpiece
  • stand as a masterpiece
  • a masterpiece in its field

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

Combines master (from Old English mægester, 'a person with great skill or authority') and piece (from Old French piece, 'a portion, a work'). The term originated in the medieval guild system, where a journeyman craftsman submitted a 'master piece' to prove his skill and qualify as a master of the trade. By the 1600s the word had expanded beyond guilds to refer to any outstanding work of art or skill.