pièce de résistance

[ pyes duh rey-zee-stahns; English pee-es duh ri-zee-stahns ]

noun

, French.

, plural pièces de ré·sis·tance [pyes d, uh, , r, ey-zee-, stahns, pee-, es, d, uh, ri-zee-, stahns].

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pièce de résistance¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pièce de résistance¹

lit: piece of resistance

Example Sentences

His series against the Phoenix Suns stands out as the pièce de résistance of his career.

From FiveThirtyEight

The pièce de résistance of the series, thus far, has been a small outtake at the end of Episode 3.

From Washington Post

But this particular night was to be the piece de resistance.

From The Daily Beast

We brought out a boiled ham, that was generally our piece de resistance, and made a royal meal.

From Project Gutenberg

That means you'll please get the wood while I clean the 'piece de resistance' of our dinner.

From Project Gutenberg

Fresh mackerel with a package of Saratoga chips was the piece de resistance, but the table did not lack for comforts.

From Project Gutenberg

It appeared to be the 'piece de resistance' in the minds of the children.

From Project Gutenberg

Each family is an authority in itself as to the choice of the piece de resistance.

From Project Gutenberg