chef d'oeuvre

noun

chef d'oeu·vre shā-ˈdœvrᵊ

(ˌ)shā-ˈdərv,

-ˈdəv

plural chefs d'oeuvre shā-ˈdœvrᵊ

-ˈdərv(z),

-ˈdəv(z)

Synonyms of chef d'oeuvre next

: a masterpiece especially in art or literature

Examples of chef d'oeuvre in a Sentence

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of chef d'oeuvre was in 1619

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Chef d'oeuvre.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chef%20d%27oeuvre. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

lenient

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

chef d'oeuvre

noun

Synonyms

Examples of chef d'oeuvre in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near chef d'oeuvre