centerpiece

American  

[sen-ter-pees] / ˈsɛn tərˌpis /

noun

1. an ornamental object used in a central position, especially on the center of a dining-room table.

2. the central or outstanding point or feature.

   The centerpiece of the evening was a play put on by the employees.

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Etymology

Origin of centerpiece

First recorded in 1830–40; center + piece

Explanation

The centerpiece of something is literally the piece that goes in the center — the centerpiece of a table setting might be a candle surrounded by roses. Centerpiece also refers to the most important part of something. Although it often refers to the decoration in the middle of a table, a centerpiece is the most important and noteworthy part of anything. The Thinker is the centerpiece of the Rodin Museum in Philadelphia. An indoor lagoon is the centerpiece of the Tonga Room in San Francisco. The right to vote became a centerpiece of the women’s rights movement in the late 1800’s. No matter what it is, a centerpiece should be impressive.

Example Sentences

The documentary made its premiere at the festival and was selected as the Centerpiece Screening for this year’s event, which was held at the world famous TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on Friday.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2023

Centerpiece of what could be one of the nation’s top defensive lines.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 12, 2019

Centerpiece Al Jefferson also has struggled with injuries, making the Hornets’ prospects even more fragile.

From Washington Post • Oct. 26, 2015

Centerpiece legislation of a compromise deal on the multistate standards received final passage Friday with a 38-0 Senate vote.

From Washington Times • Jun. 5, 2015

Centerpiece and posy go squarely—or roundly—in the center, with silver, salts, and carving set arranged as usual.

From The Complete Home by Laughlin, Clara E. (Clara Elizabeth)

Related Words

• climax
• focal point