pièce de résistance

American  

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

noun

French.

• pièces de résistance
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• pièces de résistance
  plural

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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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pièce de résistance

Jack and Sally’s fated romance is the final piece of the puzzle, the pièce de résistance that helps De Palma’s film rise above the other thrillers of its ilk.

From Salon ● Jul. 4, 2026

The opening four minutes of “Up,” the wordless montage depicting Carl and Ellie’s life together, is often cited as Pixar’s pièce de résistance of heartbreak.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 17, 2026

As the pièce de résistance, she harnessed herself to a Chevy Silverado — which itself was attached to a food truck trailer — and dragged it 40 feet in 40 seconds.

From Salon ● Jul. 15, 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

Specially selected ration beef was, of course, the pièce de résistance, but it was followed by roast pigeon and a salad, the latter mixed and dressed by Madame's own fair hands.

From Servants of the Guns by Jeffery E. Jeffery

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