chef d'oeuvre
noun
chef d'oeu·vre shā-ˈdœvrᵊ 
(ˌ)shā-ˈdərv,
-ˈdəv
plural chefs d'oeuvre shā-ˈdœvrᵊ
-ˈdərv(z),
-ˈdəv(z)
: a masterpiece especially in art or literature
Synonyms
- classic
- magnum opus
- masterpiece
- masterwork
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
the sculptor labored for 15 years on his chef d'oeuvre
Word History
Etymology
French chef-d'oeuvre, literally, leading work
First Known Use
1619, in the meaning defined above
chef d'oeuvre
noun
as in masterpiece
something (as a work of art) that is a great achievement and often its creator's greatest achievement the sculptor labored for 15 years on his chef d'oeuvre Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- masterpiece
- magnum opus
- classic
- masterwork
- tour de force
- success
- pièce de résistance
- showpiece
- masterstroke
- treasure
- prize
- winner
- blockbuster
- gem
- jewel
- megahit
- smash
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- failure
- bomb
- disaster
- catastrophe
- turkey
- washout
- flop
- loser
- fiasco
- debacle
- dud
- fizzle
- débâcle
- clunker