centerpiece

noun

cen·​ter·​piece ˈsen-tər-ˌpēs How to pronounce centerpiece (audio)
ˈse-nər-
Synonyms of centerpiecenext
1
: an object occupying a central position
especially : an adornment in the center of a table
2
: one that is of central importance or interest in a larger whole
the centerpiece of a political agenda

Examples of centerpiece in a Sentence

resolution of the original dispute became the centerpiece of the negotiations
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The physics of the upgrade The centerpiece of the overhaul is the L1, L-Acoustics’ new flagship line array system — the first major architectural rethinking of the format since the company invented the modern line source array in 1993. Dave Brooks, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 Set against the dramatic backdrop of Colorado’s Flatirons, Pearl Street is the lively centerpiece of downtown Boulder, the beloved college town home to the University of Colorado Boulder. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2026 The floral-print centerpiece featured a V-neckline and structural shoulders. Christina Perrier, InStyle, 6 July 2026 The professional-grade five-burner stainless steel grill is the centerpiece of the setup. Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for centerpiece

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of centerpiece was in 1803

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Centerpiece.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centerpiece. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

centerpiece

noun
cen·​ter·​piece ˈsent-ər-ˌpēs How to pronounce centerpiece (audio)
: a piece put in the center of something and especially a decoration (as flowers) for the center of a table

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