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

It’s a piece of working Party doctrine—Xi unveiled it in 2017 and made it the centerpiece of an indoctrination campaign every cadre had to recite.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

The garment was also the centerpiece of ads for the collection and showcased the fashion potential of Christian figures.

From Salon • May 17, 2026

Xi brought Trump around the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a circular three-tiered structure and the centerpiece of the complex.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

The finished track is the centerpiece of “Norteña” — a song that marries Venegas’ pop sensibilities and signature lovelorn lyrics with an authentic northern Mexican song.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

A ceramic Christmas tree, mounted with a photo of a freckle-faced girl with a missing front tooth, sits on the middle of the table like a centerpiece.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

Related Words

• climax
• focal point