centerpiece

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   The main or most attractive object placed in the middle of a table, especially for a meal or celebration.

   Grammar: Countable; use a/an or the, and a plural centers.

   Patterns

   • a centerpiece of something
   • a centerpiece on a table

   She arranged flowers as the centerpiece for the dinner table.

   The wedding centerpiece was a tall glass bowl with floating candles.

   Each table had a different centerpiece, so the room looked varied.

2. 2nouncountablefigurative

   The most important feature or item in a plan, event, or discussion.

   Grammar: Often used figuratively: the centerpiece of a policy, a speech, etc.

   Patterns

   • the centerpiece of something
   • serve as the centerpiece of something

   The new bridge is the centerpiece of the city's transport plan.

   Her speech made education the centerpiece of the campaign.

   The festival's centerpiece is a huge fireworks display.

Word forms

Common combinations

floral centerpiece

The florist delivered a beautiful floral centerpiece for the banquet.

table centerpiece

We made a simple table centerpiece with candles and leaves.

the centerpiece of the plan

Job training is the centerpiece of the plan.

serve as the centerpiece

A large sculpture will serve as the centerpiece of the lobby.

Synonyms and how they differ

highlight

A highlight is the most exciting or memorable part; a centerpiece is the central, organizing feature.

focal point

Focal point stresses where attention is directed; centerpiece often implies the main decorative or structural element.

showpiece

Showpiece emphasizes something displayed to impress; centerpiece is more neutral and can be functional.

Word family

center noun

The middle point or main place.

central adjective

Located in the middle or most important.

Commonly confused: centerpiece or centrepiece?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “centerpiece”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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