Oeuvre
ˈo͝ovrə
NOUN
The works of a painter, composer, or author regarded collectively.
A work of art, music, or literature.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES
“The prized volume on her bookshelf was a collected volume of Tennyson’s oeuvre.”
“You can tell this is an early oeuvre from the artist, because it’s a watercolor.”
“The composer’s most famous oeuvre will be performed by the symphony.”
WORD ORIGIN
French, late 19th century
WHY THIS WORD?
“Oeuvre” is French for a particular piece of art, music, or writing, but the French borrowed the term from the Latin for “opera.” The English usage of the word can be a single piece of art, or it can be the complete body of work from an artist, taken as a whole. The dual definitions can be used interchangeably, which can be confusing. For this word, context is everything.WHY THIS WORD?
“Oeuvre” is French for a particular piece of art, music, or writing, but the French borrowed the term from the Latin for “opera.” The English usage of the word can be a single piece of art, or it can be the complete body of work from an artist, taken as a whole. The dual definitions can be used interchangeably, which can be confusing. For this word, context is everything.