masterpiece

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A piece of work that has been given much critical praise, especially one that is considered the greatest work of a person's career.
  2. A work of outstanding creativity, skill or workmanship.
  3. A work created in order to qualify as a master craftsman and member of a guild.

Pronunciation

/ˈmæstɚˌpis/ /ˈmɑːstəˌpiːs/ en-us-masterpiece.ogg

Word forms

masterpiece masterpieces master-piece

Etymology

From master + piece, a calque of Dutch meesterstuk or German Meisterstück (“masterpiece”). Piecewise doublet of maestropiece and masterstick. Compare also journeyman's piece.

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