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

Technology multiplied her presence, but Snook’s talent remained the centerpiece. —Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 18 Dec. 2025

Earlier this month, the hotel unveiled the Guerlain Wellness Spa, a 22,000-square-foot destination that’s not only the property’s new centerpiece, but the largest Guerlain spa in the world. —John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 2025

Hundreds of miles from China’s populous coastline, a sharp bend in a remote Himalayan river is set to become the centerpiece of one of the country’s most ambitious – and controversial – infrastructure projects to date. —Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025

The post-victory locker room video has become a centerpiece of this surprisingly uplifting Chicago Bears season, giving a rapacious fan base a glimpse behind the curtain. —Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 17 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