masterpiece
Other forms: masterpieces
Many people have to agree that a painting or a novel is wonderful, and they usually need to feel that way for years, in order for it to be considered a true masterpiece.
An artist or writer is generally capable of creating only one masterpiece in her lifetime, if she makes a masterpiece at all. When an art historian or English teacher uses it, the word masterpiece implies a truly sublime, amazing creation. You can also describe something that's simply great as a masterpiece, like the seven-layer chocolate cake your mom baked for your birthday. Masterpiece comes from the Dutch meesterstuk, "work by which a craftsman attains the rank of master."
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the most outstanding work of a creative artist or craftsmansynonyms: chef-d'oeuvre, masterworktype of:piece of work, worka product produced or accomplished through the effort or activity or agency of a person or thing
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an outstanding achievementsynonyms: masterwork
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Vocabulary lists containing masterpiece
Rafe Khatchadorian and his friend Leonardo come up with a game in which they earn points for breaking middle school rules. But a school bully discovers their journal full of the game's details and threatens to turn them in.
In the last installment of Jason Reynolds's Track series, Lu attempts to master the hurdles while adjusting to the news that he is going to be a big brother.
Stories about 100-year-old tortoises, helpful rats, and friends who smell like each other all contributed words to this list of vocabulary from the week's news.