magnum opus

noun

1. a great work, especially the chief work of a writer or artist:

   Proust's magnum opus is Remembrance of Things Past.

magnum opus

noun

1. a great work of art or literature, esp the greatest single work of an artist

magnum opus

1. The most important work in a person's career, especially in literature, art, or scholarship: “ Moby Dickwas Melville 's magnum opus.” From Latin , meaning “great work.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnum opus¹

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1785–95

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnum opus¹

Latin

Example Sentences

There was the dorm-room cult classic Fight Club and the endlessly quotable Mike Judge magnum opus Office Space.

From The Daily Beast

For years, it was her dream to create an illustrated “magnum opus” that addressed shortcomings in American sex education.

From The Daily Beast

Sun will shine through many openings of the “Luminous Caves,” which he refers to as his magnum opus and his final excavation.

From The Daily Beast

Out of your many books, what do you consider your magnum opus?

From The Daily Beast

Joel McCrea gives a delightful performance as a director determined to make his magnum opus, O Brother, Where Art Thou?

From The Daily Beast

He regarded his organ in St. Paul's Cathedral (rebuilt in 1899), as his magnum opus.

From Project Gutenberg

To behold “Diana unveiled” was equivalent in alchemical terminology to attaining the magnum opus.

From Project Gutenberg

But all these activities and productions were more or less side issues, or preparations for a magnum opus, or rather magna opera.

From Project Gutenberg

This is the first publication of Alphonse Louis Constant on occult philosophy, and it is also his magnum opus.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, two minutes later, I rose, and commenced my magnum opus of oratory.

From Project Gutenberg