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

• bottom line
• bull's-eye
• core
• crux
• essence
• gist
• heart
• kernel
• keynote
• meat
• meat and potatoes
• net
• nub
• nubbin
• nucleus
• pith
• pivot
• point
• root
• sum

Examples of centerpiece in a Sentence

resolution of the original dispute became the centerpiece of the negotiations

Recent Examples on the Web

Those who venture out toward Bois de Boulogne in the 16th arrondissement will watch most matches on Court Philippe Chatrier, the roughly 15,000-seat stadium originally built in 1928 as the centerpiece for French players competing in the Davis Cup, tennis’s World Cup. —Nick Pachelli, Vogue, 12 June 2024

The town’s centerpiece is Rowan University, a four-year public institution that was founded in 1923 as a school for training teachers. —Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 June 2024

The real centerpiece here is the indoor/outdoor recovery area, which features hot and cold pools, a sauna and steam room. —Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 June 2024

The centerpiece of the event was the menu, full of goodies that utilized a lot of Amanda's favorite ingredient. —Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 6 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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