chef d'œuvre

plural chefs d'œuvre · alternative chef d'oeuvre · alternative chef-d'oeuvre · alternative chef-d'œuvre

1. A piece of work that has been given much critical praise, especially one considered the greatest work of a person's career.

   It was there that the Romans exposed their chefs-d’œuvre of painting and of sculpture.

   1807, [Germaine] de Staël Holstein, translated by D[ennis] Lawler, “[Book IV. Rome.] Chap[ter] V.”, in Corinna; or, Italy. […], volume I, London: […] Corri, […]; and sold by Colburn, […], and Mackenzie, […], →OCLC, pages 217–218

   3 more examples

   I shall have a bottle of the old Burgundy, and tell Chloe he must exert himself to send me up some slight chef-d'œuvre for supper: I am sure that one needs something, after so much annoyance!

   1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], “The Truth of Presentiments”, in Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, page 307

   Ch‘ing Twan-hëoh... took his third degree in 1,321. He was much employed in the office of historiography, and composed the Work next mentioned and another on the Ch‘un Ts‘ëw before he felt equal to this, which is reckoned his chef d'œuvre.

   1872, Confucius, “Prolegomena” (chapter iv), in James Legge, transl., The Ch‘un Ts‘ew, section I, page 139

   Indeed I will explain Danceny's note. The occasion of it is my own doing, and I like to think it is my chef d'oeuvre.

   2007, Choderlos de Laclos, translated by Helen Constantine, Dangerous Liaisons, Penguin, page 130

   Synonyms: masterpiece, magnum opus

2. A work of outstanding creativity, skill or workmanship.
3. A work created in order to qualify as a master craftsman and member of a guild.