centerpiece

[ sen-ter-pees ]

noun

1. an ornamental object used in a central position, especially on the center of a dining-room table.
2. the central or outstanding point or feature:

   The centerpiece of the evening was a play put on by the employees.

Word History and Origins

Origin of centerpiece¹

First recorded in 1830–40; center + piece

Example Sentences

The opening of Tiana’s gives the newly christened Bayou Country its centerpiece attraction.

From Los Angeles Times

Setting such relationships as the centerpiece for a movie can be risky; audiences may have the expectation that friends don’t have as much potential for drama or roller-coaster emotions as people who are in love.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump, who made mass deportations a centerpiece of his 2024 election campaign, is also expected to appoint another longtime ally and immigration hard-liner, Stephen Miller, as deputy chief of staff for policy.

From Los Angeles Times

Studio Tour has once again made “Gilmore Girls” a centerpiece of its holiday offerings.

From Los Angeles Times

The prototype will eventually be the centerpiece of a new space shuttle museum at the expanded Columbia Memorial Space Center in Downey.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• climax
• focal point