Work of art
n.joyful, capablewarm
What it means
Something made with exceptional beauty, imagination, or skill.
Reach for it when calling something an artistic creation or praising exceptional craft figuratively
The restored mosaic is a work of art and local pride.
Choose between these
7- playful
small exceptional quality deserves affectionate praise
not when Gem is vague and often promotional.
- everyday
creation
the maker's act and originality matter
not when Creation includes ordinary and nonartistic results.
- warm
appearance or execution gives immediate pleasure
not when Beauty alone does not make something art.
- professional
artwork
neutral classification as visual art is needed
not when Artwork carries no evaluative praise.
- professional
showpiece
an object is designed to display excellence
not when Showpiece can prioritize attention over substance.
- formal
tour de force
dazzling skill dominates the achievement
not when The phrase praises display more than beauty.
- literary
the work represents exceptional achievement
not when Masterpiece is much stronger than competent beauty.
Said against
3- eyesore
- botch
- hackwork
It naturally appears in
3- true work of art
The hand-bound atlas is a true work of art.
- work of art in itself
The exposed timber roof is a work of art in itself.
- living work of art
Gardeners shaped the courtyard into a living work of art.
Where this comes from
- Wiktionary, English noun phrase, artwork or exceptionally crafted thing sense opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.