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

The president praised Zohran Mamdani at a White House meeting last month after Mamdani made cost of living issues a centerpiece of his winning New York City mayoral campaign. —Daniel Bush, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025

That flash of panic would become the seed for the Magic Sprayer®, the centerpiece of a brand determined to turn bathroom anxiety into confidence, and do it with unapologetic swagger. —William Jones, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025

The centerpiece is a private clubroom located at the heart of Olympic Valley. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 4 Dec. 2025

Scatter fresh roses throughout your favorite DIY winter wreaths or holiday garlands, or consider faux options for a long-lasting centerpiece. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for centerpiece

• altarpiece
• frontispiece
• mantelpiece
• masterpiece
• pilates
• summarise
• syntheses
• apiece
• aris
• assise
• caprice
• cerise

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