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

First Steps is also shockingly comfortable to go long stretches without big action; the centerpiece is a space mission with shades of Interstellar that is genuinely thrilling, but some members of the team (particularly Mr. Fantastic) get few chances to really show off their superpowers. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 25 July 2025

Matching golden buttons were the centerpiece of the outfit. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 24 July 2025

The Reasoning Revolution The centerpiece of this technological triptych is AI’s metamorphosis from pattern-matcher to genuine reasoner. —Arafat Kabir, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025

The centerpiece is a rotating disc that completes a full revolution over the course of 365 days, echoing the cycle of the seasons. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 July 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