centerpiece

noun

cen·​ter·​piece ˈsen-tər-ˌpēs How to pronounce centerpiece (audio)
ˈse-nər-
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 centerpiece of Bird Point is the traditional main house, which includes five bedrooms and four baths across almost 5,000 square feet. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 12 July 2025 Trump’s shift in focus underscores how tragedy can complicate political calculations, even though Trump has made slashing the federal workforce and dramatically shrinking the size of government centerpieces of his administration’s opening months. Sean Murphy, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025 Pei recently wrote a guide on the topic, recommending that couples include tea ceremonies and Chinese lion dances, and to weave in cultural symbols into the decor — such as using peonies, lotuses and cherry blossoms with orchids or roses into floral centerpieces. CNN Money, 9 July 2025 Regulatory streamlining, let alone comprehensive cost-benefit analysis, has not been a centerpiece of its strategy. James Broughel, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Centerpiece.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centerpiece. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on centerpiece

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