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

Keeping her dress and its dramatic train the centerpiece of her entire ensemble, Perry opted to wear her raven black hair down with natural waves. —Julia Teti, WWD, 25 June 2024

Athlete of the Year LaMont Johnson, Digital Harbor, senior Johnson was the centerpiece of a banner year for the Rams’ track and field program. —Anthony Maluso, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2024

But the bangs were definitely the centerpiece of the look, taking up a significant portion of hair real estate. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 24 June 2024

Earlier this year, San Jose, which under Mahan has made building new shelters the centerpiece of its homelessness response, agreed to spend about 28% of its potential bond money on shelter options. —Ethan Varian, The Mercury News, 20 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