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.

---

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

---

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 its pièce de résistance for Roffman was Caselotti herself, who was home that afternoon and happy to entertain strangers with her cherubic singsong cadence.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 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

Then came the Belmont, his pièce de résistance.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 10, 2023

This bill was the pièce de résistance of senatorial debate for the whole session.

From The Life of Lyman Trumbull by White, Horace