1
a
: the point around which a circle or sphere is described
broadly
: a point that is related to a geometrical figure in such a way that for any point on the figure there is another point on the figure such that a straight line joining the two points is bisected by the original point
called also center of symmetry
b
: the center of the circle inscribed in a regular (see regular entry 1 sense 3b) polygon
2
a
: a point, area, person, or thing that is most important or pivotal in relation to an indicated activity, interest, or condition
a railroad center
the center of the controversy
b
: a source from which something originates
a propaganda center
c
: a group of neurons having a common function
respiratory center
d
: a region of concentrated population
an urban center
e
: a facility providing a place for a particular activity or service
a day-care center
a shopping center
a medical center
3
a
: the middle part (as of the forehead or a stage)
b
often capitalized
(1)
: a grouping of political figures holding moderate views especially between those of conservatives and liberals
(2)
: the views of such politicians
The party's new policies show a shift toward the center.
(3)
: the adherents of such views
4
a
: a player occupying a middle position on a team: such as
(1)
: the football player in the middle of a line who passes the ball between his legs to a back to start a down
(2)
: the usually tallest player on a basketball team who usually plays near the basket
b
5
a
: either of two tapered rods which support work in a lathe or grinding machine and about or with which the work revolves
b
: a conical recess in the end of work (such as a shaft) for receiving such a center
centered; centering
ˈsen-t(ə-)riŋ 
ˈse-nər-iŋ
1
: to place or fix at or around a center or central area
center the picture on the wall
2
: to give a central focus or basis
centers her hopes on her son
the plot was centered on espionage
3
: to adjust (things, such as lenses) so that the axes coincide
4
a
: to pass (a ball or puck) from either side toward the middle of the playing area
b
: to hand or pass (a football) backward between one's legs to a back (see back entry 1 sense 3) to start a down
5
: to play center (see center entry 1 sense 4) on
center a line in hockey
: to have a specified center : focus
What prepositions are used with center?: Usage Guide
The intransitive verb center is most commonly used with the prepositions in, on, at, and around. At appears to be favored in mathematical contexts; the others are found in a broad range of contexts. Center around, a standard idiom, has often been objected to as illogical. The logic on which the objections are based is irrelevant, since center around is an idiom and idioms have their own logic. Center on is currently more common in edited prose, and revolve around and similar verbs are available if you want to avoid center around.
Synonyms
Examples of center in a Sentence
Noun
the center of the room
The staircase is in the center of the building.
They are at the center of a furious debate over whether or not to expand the city's public transportation system.
The vaccine is being tested at several medical centers around the country.
Verb
Center the picture on the wall.
centered administrative duties under the command of a single person
Recent Examples on the Web
Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2024
Residents will have the opportunity to use the aquatic center's amenities, including the water slides and lazy river.
—Alexandra Hardle, The Arizona Republic, 20 Apr. 2024
When asked if any of the center's proposals have been approved by shareholders, Padfield’s response was blunt.
—Ricardo Torres, Journal Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2024
The new center could open to thespians and their fans within the 2024-25 season.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2024
Earlier this year, meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani became the center of a MLB gambling probe centering on the player's former interpreter.
—Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2024
The film, which hits theaters April 26, centers on a love triangle between three tennis players with deeply competitive spirits both in the game and off the court.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 19 Apr. 2024
The classic stoner film comedy centers on pot-smoking main characters (played by two Asian-American actors) in an adventure, seeking out sliders to satisfy a case of the munchies.
—Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 19 Apr. 2024
The Eagles also trust center fielder Jack Haferkamp, who hits third in the lineup.
—John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Apr. 2024
Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 19 Apr. 2024
Those plans were centered around either making a plan to vote early or on election day.
—David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2024
And to say Swifties were surprised — and disappointed — to learn that the album largely centered around Healy instead of her ex of six years Joe Alwyn, would be putting it lightly.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 19 Apr. 2024
Since the quakes, the anger of many survivors has centered on the lax construction practices that allowed so many defective buildings to rise across a region with a history of powerful temblors.
—Ben Hubbard, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2024
Be informed, engaged and empowered residents of Sacramento Sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter centered around equity issues in the capital region.
—Emma Hall, Sacramento Bee, 19 Apr. 2024
Next comes the Van Gogh room, centered on a Saint Laurent jacket inspired by the artist’s painting of irises, put into dialogue with Rodarte’s dress inspired by Van Gogh’s sunflowers, and the poppy room, centering on Isaac Mizrahi’s bleeding poppy dress, inspired by the work of Irving Penn.
—Nathan Heller, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2024
Modern Disney is centered on intellectual property — or IP, in corporate speak — rather than Walt-era idealism, and the most tantalizing prospects of DisneylandForward center on building around existing structures rather than erecting a new park.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2024
The movie imagines a worst-case scenario in which American society unravels beyond comprehension, and centers the frontline journalists trying to make sense of the ensuing chaos.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2024
Noun
Some warehouses, shipping centers, kitchens, schools and other workplaces can soar above 90 degrees.
—Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2024
Residents will have the opportunity to use the aquatic center's amenities, including the water slides and lazy river.
—Alexandra Hardle, The Arizona Republic, 20 Apr. 2024
When asked if any of the center's proposals have been approved by shareholders, Padfield’s response was blunt.
—Ricardo Torres, Journal Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2024
The new center could open to thespians and their fans within the 2024-25 season.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2024
Earlier this year, meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani became the center of a MLB gambling probe centering on the player's former interpreter.
—Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2024
The film, which hits theaters April 26, centers on a love triangle between three tennis players with deeply competitive spirits both in the game and off the court.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 19 Apr. 2024
The classic stoner film comedy centers on pot-smoking main characters (played by two Asian-American actors) in an adventure, seeking out sliders to satisfy a case of the munchies.
—Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 19 Apr. 2024
The Eagles also trust center fielder Jack Haferkamp, who hits third in the lineup.
—John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Apr. 2024
Verb
The spinoff series centered on Danny’s eldest daughter, D.J. (Bure), a 30-something widow bringing up three kids of her own with the help of her sister Stephanie (Sweetin) and childhood BFF Kimmy Gibbler (Barber).
—Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 19 Apr. 2024
Those plans were centered around either making a plan to vote early or on election day.
—David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2024
And to say Swifties were surprised — and disappointed — to learn that the album largely centered around Healy instead of her ex of six years Joe Alwyn, would be putting it lightly.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 19 Apr. 2024
Since the quakes, the anger of many survivors has centered on the lax construction practices that allowed so many defective buildings to rise across a region with a history of powerful temblors.
—Ben Hubbard, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2024
Be informed, engaged and empowered residents of Sacramento Sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter centered around equity issues in the capital region.
—Emma Hall, Sacramento Bee, 19 Apr. 2024
Next comes the Van Gogh room, centered on a Saint Laurent jacket inspired by the artist’s painting of irises, put into dialogue with Rodarte’s dress inspired by Van Gogh’s sunflowers, and the poppy room, centering on Isaac Mizrahi’s bleeding poppy dress, inspired by the work of Irving Penn.
—Nathan Heller, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2024
Modern Disney is centered on intellectual property — or IP, in corporate speak — rather than Walt-era idealism, and the most tantalizing prospects of DisneylandForward center on building around existing structures rather than erecting a new park.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2024
The movie imagines a worst-case scenario in which American society unravels beyond comprehension, and centers the frontline journalists trying to make sense of the ensuing chaos.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'center.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near center
Cite this Entry
“Center.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/center. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
center
1 of 2 noun
cen·ter
ˈsent-ər
1
: the point inside a circle or sphere that is an equal distance from all the points on the edge
2
a
: a place in or around which an activity takes place or from which something begins
the center of the scandal
b
: a place for a particular activity or service
a day-care center
c
: a group of neurons that have a common purpose
respiratory center
3
: the middle part (as of a stage)
4
: a player occupying a middle position on a team
center
2 of 2 verb
centered; centering
ˈsent-ə-riŋ
ˈsen-triŋ
1
: to place or fix at or around a center or central area
2
: to give a central focus
the story is centered on his adventures
3
: to collect at or around a center
Medical Definition
center
noun
cen·ter
variants
or chiefly British centre
: a group of nerve cells having a common function
the brain stem's respiratory center
called also nerve center
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