pièce de résistance

American  

[pyes duh rey-zee-stahns, pee-es duh ri-zee-stahns] / pyɛs də reɪ ziˈstɑ̃s, piˈɛs də rɪ ziˈstɑns /

noun

French.

plural

pièces de résistance

1. the principal dish of a meal.

2. the most noteworthy or prized feature, aspect, event, article, etc., of a series or group; special item or attraction.

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pièce de résistance British  

/ pjɛs də rezistɑ̃s /

noun

1. the principal or most outstanding item in a series or creative artist's work

2. the main dish of a meal

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Etymology

Origin of pièce de résistance

First recorded in 1780–90; from French: literally, “piece of resistance”; development of senses is unclear

Example Sentences

But the pièce de résistance of her spooky spread?

From Salon • Oct. 27, 2025

However, the pièce de résistance of the lounge is an outdoor patio at the very back of the space.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2024

If you want to buy a Birkin bag, the pièce de résistance from the French luxury retailer Hermès, you should know that you probably can’t.

From New York Times • Mar. 21, 2024

As the pièce de résistance, velvet pumpkins spill out of delicate soup tureens at each place setting.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 3, 2023

Fresh salmon was considered a pièce de résistance.

From As I Remember Recollections of American Society during the Nineteenth Century by Gouverneur, Marian