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

• 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

These movies—including the seven-hour-long Sátántangó, a centerpiece of which is a shambling dance in a barroom—often swap the meandering sentence for a single camera shot that lasts 10 minutes or more. —Walt Hunter, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025

In running for president, Milei made dollarization the centerpiece of his economic blueprint. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025

This display can be placed on your doorstep or backyard porch or used as a bountiful fall centerpiece. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025

An iridescent, three-dimensional butterfly reminiscent of the singer's Lover era popped up as the centerpiece of the gift, and a card with the Grammy winner's full name was set below the sparkling figurine. —Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 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