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

But the unexpected, undeniable centerpiece is their backyard’s strikingly lush, drought-tolerant native lawn that invites people and pets alike to unwind. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026

The bottle trees on the flatbed were to be the centerpieces of a celebration of Serpentine’s success. — Oren Peleg, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

Its 210-room hotel will be the centerpiece of The Meuse, a 22-acre district near Main Street that will feature over 70,000 square feet of shops and restaurants. — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

The Braves would probably need to swap out Smith-Shawver for Cam Caminiti as a centerpiece in this trade. — Jesús Cano, New York Times, 31 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