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 director of “Drive My Car” continues his process-centric exploration of workplace relationships in this quietly revelatory movie, one with a centerpiece conversation that merits comparison to the long walks of Richard Linklater’s “Before” movies.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

The sculptor’s stunning ability to make steel look soft is the centerpiece of her first museum survey.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 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

The confrontation, the arrest, the courtroom forum and viral footage form the centerpiece of a new strategy.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

I’m supposed to make a centerpiece out of waxed maple leaves, acorns, ribbon, and a mile of thin wire.

From "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson

Related Words

• climax
• focal point