What does opus mean?
An opus is a notable artistic work, most often a musical composition or literary creation, but the word can also refer to a substantial work in another medium or to an artist’s wider body of work. It carries a formal, elevated tone and often implies ambition, scale, or significance, making it more than a simple synonym for “work.” For example, a writer might call a long novel her latest opus, while a critic might describe a composer’s symphony as a major opus. The plural is usually “opuses,” although “opera” is also an established plural form in English. Because “opera” now usually denotes a staged musical drama, the two words should be distinguished carefully. The term comes from Latin, where opus meant “work,” and has been used in English for literary and musical works since the early modern period. Its associations with artistic achievement make it useful for describing works that are ambitious, influential, or especially important to their creator.
nounAn artistic work, especially a musical composition or a substantial literary work. The term may also refer more broadly to an artist’s body of work or to a work of particular ambition and importance.
- An artistic work, especially a musical composition or a substantial literary work.
- A work regarded as important, ambitious, or characteristic of its creator.
- An artist’s body of work, especially when considered as a collection of compositions.
"The conductor presented what many considered the composer’s most ambitious opus."
"The novel was widely praised as a powerful and ambitious opus."
"Her collection of chamber pieces became the composer’s best-known opus."
“Opuses” is the standard plural. “Opera” is also an established plural of “opus,” but is now used primarily for a staged musical drama and can therefore be ambiguous.
"The library has several of the composer’s rare early opuses."
Latin for “work,” opus is a word for art with a grand, unmistakable sense of ambition.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does opus come from?
The word entered English from Latin in the early 17th century. Latin opus, generically op-eris, meant “work,” especially a literary or artistic production, and its plural opera was also adopted into English. Later usage broadened the word to include musical compositions and other major artistic creations. Related English words such as operate, operation, and cooperate come through Latin forms based on the same root.
Related word forms
How opus is actually used
The word is formal and often slightly elevated. It commonly suggests artistic importance, ambition, or a creator’s notable work, and is less typical in casual conversation than “work,” “piece,” or “book.”
Easily confused with opus
An opera is a staged musical drama, whereas an opus is a broad term for an artistic work, especially a composition or literary work; opera is also an established plural of opus.