1
always used before a noun
: in the middle of something : located in the center of a thing or place
The country is in central Africa. [=the area that is in the middle of Africa]
The house has four rooms and a central chimney.
City planners are looking for a central location for the new hospital.
2
: main or most important
The novel's central [=main] character is an orphan.
The professor has become a central [=key] figure in the controversy.
The evidence was central to the defense's case.
a central belief/claim
3
always used before a noun
: controlling all other parts : having power over the other parts
The country's schools are financed by both local and central governments.
The central authority of the company's board is being challenged.
4
: designed to reach all parts of a building
The apartment has both central air-conditioning and central heating.
US, informal
: a place where an activity takes place or a group meets : a place that is a center for an activity or group
The resort is party central for college students on spring break. [=college students on spring break have many parties at the resort]
Our family room becomes kid central on weekends.
Cite this Entry
“Central.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/central. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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