chef d'oeuvre

chef d'oeu·vre

noun \shā-dœvr^ə, (ˌ)shā-ˈdə(r)v\

plural chefs d'oeuvre\-dœvr^ə, -ˈdə(r)v(z)\

Definition of CHEF D'OEUVRE

: a masterpiece especially in art or literature

Examples of CHEF D'OEUVRE

1. <the sculptor labored for 15 years on his chef d'oeuvre>

Origin of CHEF D'OEUVRE

French chef-d'oeuvre, literally, leading work

First Known Use: 1619

Related to CHEF D'OEUVRE

Synonyms: masterpiece, classic, magnum opus, masterwork

Related Words: masterstroke, pièce de résistance, showpiece, tour de force; blockbuster, megahit, smash, success, winner; gem, jewel, prize, treasure

Near Antonyms: bomb, catastrophe, clunker, debacle (also débâcle), disaster, dud, failure, fiasco, fizzle, flop, loser, turkey, washout

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