ENGLISH
REFERENCE

masterpiece

n.
US //ˈmæstɝˌpis// UK //mˈɑːstəpˌiːs// mas·ter·piece
  1. 1 greatest work (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the best and most famous piece of work created by an artist, writer, or musician.

    the most significant or acclaimed work in a person's career, often representing the peak of their creative output.

    Example

    Many critics consider 'Pride and Prejudice' to be Jane Austen's masterpiece.

    Example

    The director's final film was hailed as a masterpiece, synthesising decades of stylistic experimentation into a single, coherent narrative.
  2. 2 excellent quality (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    any work of art or craft that shows incredible skill and creativity.

    a work of outstanding creativity, skill, or workmanship, regardless of whether it is the creator's primary achievement.

    Example

    The cake she baked for the wedding was a culinary masterpiece.

    Example

    The restoration of the cathedral is a technical masterpiece, preserving the original stonework while subtly integrating modern structural supports.
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 guild qualification (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic

    a piece of work made by a student in the past to prove they were a master of their craft.

    a work created by a journeyman in order to qualify as a master craftsman and gain full membership in a guild.

    Example

    The young carpenter spent months carving his masterpiece to join the local guild.

    Example

    In the medieval guild system, the production of a masterpiece was the final hurdle for an apprentice seeking professional independence.

Origin

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

© 2026 English Reference