centerpiece

noun

cen·​ter·​piece ˈsen-tər-ˌpēs 

ˈse-nər-

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

Synonyms of centerpiece

• core
• essence
• heart
• root
• kernel
• point

Examples of centerpiece in a Sentence

resolution of the original dispute became the centerpiece of the negotiations

Recent Examples on the Web

If the table is committing fully to the experience, the bone-in ribeye for two gives dinner the kind of centerpiece New York steakhouses are built around. — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

The centerpiece is a two-story family room featuring a towering stone fireplace and French doors on either side that open to the outdoors. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 13 July 2026

The guard was one of the centerpieces of the Sky’s offseason overhaul, which included the acquisitions of Rickea Jackson, Azurá Stevens, DiJonai Carrington and Jacy Sheldon. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026

The bonfires are the centerpiece of the loyalist calendar, underlining an identity built on being British. — Kara Fox, CNN Money, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for centerpiece

• altarpiece
• frontispiece
• mantelpiece
• masterpiece
• pilates
• specialise
• stabilise
• syntheses
• apiece
• aris
• assise
• caprice

Kids Definition

centerpiece

noun

cen·​ter·​piece ˈsent-ər-ˌpēs 

: a piece put in the center of something and especially a decoration (as flowers) for the center of a table