masterpiece

UK: /ˈmɑːstə^rpiːs/

US: /ˈmæstɚˌpis/

US: (mas′tər pēs′, mä′stər-)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

mas•ter•piece /ˈmæstɚˌpis/   n. [countable]

1. a person's greatest piece of work, as in an art.
2. a fine example of excellence:
   That speech was a masterpiece of quick thinking.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

mas•ter•piece  (mas′tər pēs′, mä′stər-), n. 

1. a person's greatest piece of work, as in an art.
2. anything done with masterly skill:
   a masterpiece of improvisation.
3. a consummate example of skill or excellence of any kind:
   The chef 's cake was a masterpiece.
4. a piece made by a person aspiring to the rank of master in a guild or other craft organization as a proof of competence.

• master + piece, modeled on Dutch meesterstuk, German Meisterstück 1570–80

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

masterpiece / ˈmɑːstəˌpiːs/, (less commonly)masterwork / ˈmɑːstəˌwɜːk/ noun

1. an outstanding work, achievement, or performance
2. the most outstanding piece of work of a creative artist, craftsman, etc

Etymology: 17th Century: compare Dutch meesterstuk, German Meisterstück, a sample of work submitted to a guild by a craftsman in order to qualify for the rank of master