centerpiece

[sen-ter-pees]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of centerpiece¹

First recorded in 1830–40; center + piece

Example Sentences

It makes an effortless centerpiece for a lazy Sunday brunch, the kind of thing that invites everyone to reach in with their hands.

From Salon

The 10th anniversary of Miranda’s Tony Award-winning, culturally transformative musical “Hamilton,” with the duel as its centerpiece, has occasioned a new wave of critical hosannas.

From Los Angeles Times

The centerpiece of his line soon became an executive class “power suit” with broad shoulders and narrow hips to recall Cary Grant in the 1940s.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's impossible not to be moved by the real-life audio recording that is the centerpiece of Kaouther Ben Hania's hybrid film, but the ethics and execution of the concept are questionable," he wrote.

From BBC

Sometimes choreography is adapted to a wheelchair-friendly format, and other times the wheelchair is the centerpiece of the routine.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• climax 
• focal point