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

Located between northeastern Utah and southwestern Wyoming, the centerpiece of this area is the 91-mile-long Flaming Gorge Reservoir located on the Green River. —Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026

Tables were set with ornate china, colored crystal glasses, silver candelabra, antique tureens, and monumental centerpieces. —Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 7 June 2026

That complete package is why the Vikings’ centerpiece is the winner of The Denver Post’s inaugural April Heinrichs Award for the top senior girls soccer player, scholar and citizen in Colorado. —Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 7 June 2026

But a centerpiece of his reelection campaign was a promise to tame inflation and bring down the price of groceries and other cost-of-living essentials. —Michelle L. Price, Fortune, 6 June 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