magnum opus

noun

mag·num opus | \ ˈmag-nəm-ˈō-pəs

Definition of magnum opus

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

Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about magnum opus

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Did You Know?

You probably recognize magnum ("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 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 late 18th century, retains the original Latin spelling and the literal meaning "great work." Although the term most often refers to literary productions, it has been used to describe many kinds of great works, including paintings, movies, construction projects, and even surgical techniques.

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

Further, both magnum opuses enlist hundreds of musicians to articulate vast philosophical statements from their creators. — Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, "CSO review: A vast exploration of Leonard Bernstein’s legacy over 2 nights," 25 July 2019 One final note: We’re running lean here at The Ledger this month, in part because Jeff Roberts is on book leave (look for his cryptocurrency magnum opus from Audible soon). — David Z. Morris, Fortune, "A Spy in the House of Byrne—The Ledger," 26 Aug. 2019 So do Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson’s sneaky-brilliant Kismet, David Chang’s magnum opus Majordomo and Thai Town’s defining Jitlada. — Bill Addison, latimes.com, "What rings true and false for Los Angeles in Michelin's new California guide," 4 June 2019 Drawing the Curtain also explores Sendak’s contributions to a darkly subversive adaptation of The Nutcracker, Leoš Janáček’s Cunning Little Vixen, Sergei Prokofiev’s Love for Three Oranges, and his own magnum opus, Where the Wild Things Are. — Meilan Solly, Smithsonian, "See Maurice Sendak’s Little-Known Designs for the Opera and Ballet," 1 July 2019 The Pleasure of Your Company’’ (1997) and her magnum opus, ‘‘One Big Table’’ (2010). — Tim Carman, BostonGlobe.com, "Molly O’Neill, prizewinning food writer, dies at 66," 21 June 2019 What had been a moratorium became a magnum opus for the artist known as Woj, solidifying his place in the NBA’s culture. — Jacob Feldman, SI.com, "2019 NBA Draft Media Preview: What to Expect from TV Broadcasts, Twitter and More," 20 June 2019 These initiatives, however, were only precursors to the finance lobby’s magnum opus: the 2005 Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act. — Andrew Cockburn, Harper's magazine, "No Joe!," 10 June 2019 Tolkien employs a familiar biopic trope, showing glimpses of elements that would one day fuel the creative furnace of his magnum opus. — Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, "'Tolkien': A Life Where Fantasy Met Reality," 3 May 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'magnum opus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for magnum opus

magnum opus

noun

English Language Learners Definition of magnum opus

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

See the full definition for magnum opus in the English Language Learners Dictionary

magnum opus

Definition of magnum opus

Synonyms for magnum opus

Did You Know?

Examples of magnum opus in a Sentence

First Known Use of magnum opus

History and Etymology for magnum opus

English Language Learners Definition of magnum opus

magnum opus

Definition of magnum opus

Synonyms for magnum opus

Did You Know?

Examples of magnum opus in a Sentence

First Known Use of magnum opus

History and Etymology for magnum opus

English Language Learners Definition of magnum opus

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