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

• bottom line
• bull's-eye
• core
• crux
• essence
• gist
• heart
• kernel
• keynote
• meat
• meat and potatoes
• net
• nub
• nubbin
• nucleus
• pith
• pivot
• point
• root
• sum

Examples of centerpiece in a Sentence

resolution of the original dispute became the centerpiece of the negotiations

Recent Examples on the Web

Those not so compositionally inclined may simply want an exquisite instrument as the centerpiece of a music salon. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 17 July 2024

Keeping her dress as the centerpiece of her ensemble, Queen Camilla fashioned accessories and other elements of her ensemble in shades of sand and taupe. —Julia Teti, WWD, 16 July 2024

The centerpiece of the room is its long, rectilinear table and four correlating benches. —Madeleine Luckel, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2024

Will Scharf has made his work as a lawyer for former President Donald Trump a centerpiece of his campaign for Missouri attorney general. —Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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