oeuvre
Say it: UR-vruh /ˈɜːvrə/ · noun
What “oeuvre” means
All the works an artist has made.
More precisely: The complete body of work of a writer, artist or composer.
Example: “This film is the weakest in the director's oeuvre.”
When to use it
In fairly formal discussions of art, books, films or music, when considering someone's whole output together.
Similar words
body of work, output, canon
Where it comes from
French, 'work'.
Quick check
A gallery gathers every painting and sculpture an artist made throughout her life. What does the exhibition bring together?
a masterpiece or an oeuvre?
Show the answer
an oeuvre
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