A1 noun Neutral

masterpiece

/ˈmɑːstəpiːs/

A masterpiece is an extremely good piece of work, such as a painting, book, or movie. It is usually the best work that an artist or creator has ever made.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The chef said that the delicious cake was his masterpiece.

The chef said that the delicious cake was his masterpiece.

2

The museum displays a rare masterpiece from the 17th century.

The museum displays a rare masterpiece from the 17th century.

3

I just watched that new film; it is a total masterpiece!

I just watched that new film; it is a total masterpiece!

Word Family

Noun
masterpiece
Adverb
masterfully
Adjective
masterly
Related
master
💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Master' of art making their best 'Piece' of work.

Quick Quiz

The Mona Lisa is considered a global ________ in the world of art.

Correct!

The correct answer is: masterpiece

Examples

1

The chef said that the delicious cake was his masterpiece.

everyday

The chef said that the delicious cake was his masterpiece.

2

The museum displays a rare masterpiece from the 17th century.

formal

The museum displays a rare masterpiece from the 17th century.

3

I just watched that new film; it is a total masterpiece!

informal

I just watched that new film; it is a total masterpiece!

4

Critics often refer to this symphony as a musical masterpiece.

academic

Critics often refer to this symphony as a musical masterpiece.

5

The CEO's negotiation strategy was a masterpiece of planning.

business

The CEO's negotiation strategy was a masterpiece of planning.

Word Family

Noun
masterpiece
Adverb
masterfully
Adjective
masterly
Related
master

Common Collocations

absolute masterpiece absolute masterpiece
modern masterpiece modern masterpiece
literary masterpiece literary masterpiece
cinematic masterpiece cinematic masterpiece
architectural masterpiece architectural masterpiece

Common Phrases

a masterpiece of

a masterpiece of

create a masterpiece

create a masterpiece

an acknowledged masterpiece

an acknowledged masterpiece

Often Confused With

masterpiece vs master

A master is the person with great skill, while a masterpiece is the work they created.

📝

Usage Notes

Use this word to describe something of very high quality. While mostly used for art, it can describe a great plan or a perfectly cooked meal.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Do not call every simple drawing a masterpiece; it should be saved for things that are truly special or perfect.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Master' of art making their best 'Piece' of work.

📖

Word Origin

From the Dutch word 'meesterstuk,' which was a piece of work a craftsman made to prove he was a master.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Plural: masterpieces Commonly preceded by adjectives like 'true' or 'absolute'
🌍

Cultural Context

Historically, in European guilds, an apprentice had to produce a masterpiece to be promoted to the rank of master.

Quick Quiz

The Mona Lisa is considered a global ________ in the world of art.

Correct!

The correct answer is: masterpiece

More art words

painting

A1

A painting is a picture that someone makes using paint. It is usually created on a surface like paper or canvas and is considered a piece of art.

sculpture

A1

A sculpture is a three-dimensional piece of art made by shaping or carving materials like stone, wood, metal, or clay. Unlike a painting, you can walk around a sculpture and see it from many different angles.

sketch

A1

A simple drawing that is done quickly and without many details. It is often used as a rough draft or a plan for a more finished piece of art.

portrait

A1

A portrait is a painting, drawing, or photograph of a person, usually focusing on the face and shoulders. It is created to show what the person looks like and often to express their personality.

landscape

A1

A landscape is a painting, photograph, or view of a wide area of land. In art, it usually shows natural scenes like mountains, trees, and rivers instead of people.

still life

A1

A still life is a type of art, such as a painting or photograph, that shows objects that do not move. Common subjects include everyday items like fruit, flowers, bottles, or bowls.

cubism

A1

Cubism is a style of modern art that shows objects and people as simple geometric shapes like cubes, triangles, and circles. Instead of looking realistic from one side, the art shows the subject from many different angles at the same time.

surrealism

A1

Surrealism is a style of art and literature that mixes real objects in strange or impossible ways, like in a dream. It aims to show the power of the imagination and the hidden thoughts of the mind.

contemporary art

A1

Contemporary art is art produced at the present period in time. It includes works made by artists living today and reflects the issues of our modern world.

easel

A1

An easel is a wooden or metal frame that stands on three legs. It is used to hold a canvas or a board while an artist is painting or drawing on it.

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