chef-d'œuvre
/ʃɛ.d‿œvʁ/
The French word for masterpiece is chef-d'œuvre.
The term chef-d'œuvre is a noun used to describe an outstanding piece of work.
Meaning: An outstanding piece of work (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the term translates to 'chief of work', where chef means chief or head and œuvre means work.
How does it change in a sentence?
When making the word plural, the form becomes chefs-d'œuvre. In this pluralization, only the word chef takes an 's'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃɛ.d‿œvʁ/
Did you know?
- In the medieval guild system, a chef-d'œuvre was not just any great work, but a specific physical object a journeyman had to produce to prove his skill and become a master.
- The English word 'chef' is actually a loanword from the French chef, which originally meant 'head' before it became specific to the professional kitchen.
- The term œuvre is used in many contexts beyond art, such as in bonne œuvre to mean a good deed. This shows that a masterpiece is part of a much broader vocabulary of human action.
Examples in context
- C'est un vrai chef-d'œuvre.This is a true masterpiece.This sentence is useful for emphasizing that something is a true masterpiece using chef-d'œuvre.Tatoeba #6795820 by felix63, translation #5881880 by mailohilohi
- Ce film est un chef-d'œuvre.This film is a masterpiece.This sentence shows how to describe a film as a chef-d'œuvre.Tatoeba #1418411 by sacredceltic, translation #2717925 by CM
- Le film est fantastique, c'est un vrai chef-d'œuvre.The film's fantastic. It's a real masterpiece.This sentence demonstrates how to use chef-d'œuvre to express that a film is a real masterpiece.Tatoeba #8096109 by felix63, translation #13605510 by araneo
- Cette toile est un chef-d'œuvre absoluThis painting is an absolute masterpiece
- Le chef-d'œuvre absolu de la RenaissanceThe absolute masterpiece of the Renaissance
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are at an art gallery.
- HugoRegarde ce tableau, c'est un chef-d'œuvre.Look at this painting, it is a masterpiece.
- ManonOui, l'artiste a créé un véritable chef-d'œuvre.Yes, the artist has created a true masterpiece.
- HugoIl est impressionnant, n'est-ce pas ?It is impressive, isn't it?
- ManonAbsolument, Hugo, c'est magnifique.Absolutely, Hugo, it is magnificent.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chef-d'œuvre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
