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

The centerpiece is the Sala del Consiglio on the piano nobile, with frescoes by Giulio Bargellini on the theme of prosperity. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026

The centerpiece of the expansion, which was led by the architects Shohei Shigematsu and Rem Koolhaas, in collaboration with the firm Cooper Robertson, is an atrium that snaps right onto the side of the flagship building. —Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026

The plaza’s centerpiece will be three giant bison sculptures — a bull, cow and calf — surrounded by circular benches. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026

The quarterback situation The addition of James Madison transfer Alonza Barnett III gave the Knights a College Football Playoff-caliber quarterback and a centerpiece to their 2026 transfer class. —Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026

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