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

Soto is the centerpiece, but after seeing how long the Dodgers’ lineup played in the postseason, the Mets are hoping to add more depth and Cohen is more than willing to spend to add more. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 13 Dec. 2024

This year, oversized, artistic tree toppers—like cascading ribbons, floral arrangements like this cranberry bouquet at Balsam Hill or illuminated sculptures—are the centerpieces of many holiday trees. —Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 11 Dec. 2024

For more than five decades, the New Faces of Country Music Show has been a centerpiece of the annual Country Radio Seminar, highlighting five rising artists who have earned success during the qualification period (which, for the 2025 show, runs from Nov. 1, 2023, to Oct. 31, 2024). —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 11 Dec. 2024

This year, LinkedIn made video the centerpiece of its GivingTuesday campaign to light up the platform with stories of generosity, doing good for business, and doing good for the world. —Afdhel Aziz, Forbes, 10 Dec. 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