Gesamtkunstwerk

noun

Ge·​samt·​kunst·​werk

gəˈzämtˌku̇nstˌverk

plural -s

: an art work produced by a synthesis of various art forms (such as music and drama)

Word History

Etymology

German, from gesamt whole, entire (from Middle High German gesamt, gesament, past participle of samanen to gather, assemble, from Old High German samanōn, from saman- together, in the same place — akin to Gothic samana together, Old English tōsamne, Old Norse samr same) + kunst art + werk work, from Old High German werc

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!