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

Finished in the label’s tiger yellow with bold black striping, the bike gave the collaboration a tangible centerpiece beyond the clothes. — Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

In early 1976, Sidney Gibson tried at least twice to make the balloon a centerpiece of a small summer fair, envisioning thousands of people coming to marvel at and ride in the balloon. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026

The checks could cost more than $1 trillion, raising unanswered questions about deficits and inflation; Republican candidates have not made the promise a campaign centerpiece. — Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

The centerpiece of the policy originally was his use of a 1977 law to declare America's longstanding trade deficits a national emergency, justifying double-digit tariffs on almost every country on Earth. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 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