magnum opus

noun

mag·​num opus ˈmag-nəm-ˈō-pəs 

: a great work

especially : the greatest achievement of an artist or writer

Did you know?

You may recognize magnum (meaning "great") as a Latin word that shows up in altered forms in several English words, and perhaps you can also come up with a few words that are related to opus ("work"). Magnitude, magnanimous, opulent, and operate are some obvious relations of the two. Magnum opus, which entered English in the 18th century, retains the original Latin spelling and the literal meaning "great work." Although the term most often refers to literary, musical, or artistic productions, it has been used to describe many kinds of great works, including games, construction projects, and even surgical techniques.

Synonyms

• chef d'oeuvre
• classic
• masterpiece
• masterwork

Examples of magnum opus in a Sentence

His last novel was his magnum opus.

this symphony is usually considered Beethoven's magnum opus

Recent Examples on the Web

Explore Danger Mouse Michael Kiwanuka Sault See latest videos, charts and news Kiwanuka was, by design, the singer-songwriter’s magnum opus. —Thomas Smith, Billboard, 21 Nov. 2024

Photo: Warner Bros/Everett Collection Blanchett didn’t really have all that much to do in Peter Jackson’s dual magnum opuses, other than be extraordinarily lit. —Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2024

Now Vault is releasing Hysteria: The Graphic Novel, a book that shares its title with Def Leppard’s magnum opus but little else. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2024

Swift has 18 shows left on her two-year magnum opus. —Bryan West, USA TODAY, 7 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

magnum opus

noun

mag·​num opus ˌmag-nə-ˈmō-pəs 

: a great work and especially the greatest achievement of an artist or writer