masterpiece

mas-ter-piece · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship.

  2. 2.

    The best work produced by a particular artist, craftsman, or writer.

  3. 3.

    (Historical) A piece of work presented by a craftsman to a guild as a qualification for the rank of master.

Forms

plural: masterpieces

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    masterpiece theater — A PBS series featuring classic British dramas
  • •
    absolute masterpiece — An emphatic description of an exceptional work

Related words

Antonyms: failure, flop
See also: artwork, classic, magnum opus, master
Synonyms: chef-d'oeuvre, magnum opus, tour de force

Etymology

From Dutch meesterstuk or German Meisterstuck ("master's piece"), referring to the piece of work that a journeyman craftsman had to produce to qualify as a master.