masterpiece
masterpiece Lexical Profile
masterpiece Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship.
"The museum's new exhibition features a long-lost masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance."
An artist's, writer's, or creator's greatest and most universally recognized piece of work.
"Many literary critics consider 'Moby-Dick' to be Herman Melville's undeniable masterpiece."
Historically, a piece of work presented to a medieval guild by an apprentice or journeyman as evidence of their qualification to achieve the rank of master.
"The young carpenter spent months perfecting his masterpiece to earn his position in the local guild."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Late 16th century: probably a translation of the Dutch 'meesterstuk' or German 'Meisterstück'. Originally, it referred to a piece of work produced by an apprentice or journeyman presented to a medieval guild as evidence of qualification for the rank of master craftsman.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.