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

Once the city’s economic centerpiece, the mall has seen its sales tax revenue decline by nearly 90% over a quarter-century. — Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

The farmhouse kitchen pairs refined white cabinetry with a natural-wood island and a centerpiece brick hood over the range. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2026

Trump was in many ways the centerpiece of Pritzker’s campaign. — Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026

Demuth has made the state's fraud scandals a centerpiece of her campaign. — CBS News, 3 Nov. 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