centerpiece

noun

cen·​ter·​piece ˈsen-tər-ˌpēs How to pronounce centerpiece (audio)
ˈse-nər-
Synonyms of centerpiecenext
1
: an object occupying a central position
especially : an adornment in the center of a table
2
: one that is of central importance or interest in a larger whole
the centerpiece of a political agenda

Examples of centerpiece in a Sentence

resolution of the original dispute became the centerpiece of the negotiations
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jacques sold one-half to an American millionaire and the other to Edward, who used it as the centerpiece for Simpson's engagement ring. Ilana Frost, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026 Recent years have seen Phish, Dead & Company, ODESZA and John Summit utilize the stadium as a centerpiece attraction. Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 13 June 2026 Turkey has a rich history of collapsing under expectation, but that could change this summer — Yildiz is the centerpiece of an exciting, dynamic, possibly history-busting young core. Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 12 June 2026 The program’s centerpiece remains the Transilvania Pitch Stop, a co-production forum open to first- and second-time filmmakers from Romania, Moldova, Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, Ukraine, Greece, Turkey, Georgia and — for the very first time — Cyprus and Albania. Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for centerpiece

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of centerpiece was in 1803

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Centerpiece.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centerpiece. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

centerpiece

noun
cen·​ter·​piece ˈsent-ər-ˌpēs How to pronounce centerpiece (audio)
: a piece put in the center of something and especially a decoration (as flowers) for the center of a table

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