centerpiece

IPA/ˈsentəpiːs/
KK[sˈɛntɚpˌis]IPA/ˈsentərpiːs/

centerpiece — noun

  • centerpiecesingular
  • centerpiecesplural

1. the American spelling of 'centrepiece', with the same meanings as the British fo

1.nounB2
Definition

the American spelling of 'centrepiece', with the same meanings as the British form.

Example

American wedding magazines usually write centerpiece, not centrepiece.

American spelling contrast: centerpiece vs centrepiece

The museum label used the American spelling centerpiece throughout the guide.

Usage Note

Meaning is identical to 'centrepiece'. Use 'centerpiece' in American English writing, and keep the spelling consistent within the same piece of text.

Common Mistakes

The invitation said centrepiece, but the US printer kept it.
The invitation said centrepiece, but the US printer changed it to centerpiece.
In American English, 'centerpiece' is the standard spelling.

2. the one part, feature, or event that matters most in a larger plan, display, or

2.nounB2
Definition

the one part, feature, or event that matters most in a larger plan, display, or occasion.

Example

Clean water was the centerpiece of Faisal's campaign for mayor.

the centerpiece of + campaign or plan

The glass staircase became the centerpiece of the new hotel lobby.

Common collocations
  • the centerpiece of the campaign
  • the centerpiece of the room
  • a visual centerpiece
  • become the centerpiece of the event
Synonyms
  • highlight

    often names a memorable good part, but not always the organizing feature

  • focal point

    stresses where attention goes first, especially in design or discussion

  • showpiece

    often suggests something displayed to impress people

Antonyms
  • side issue

    describes something less important than the main matter

  • afterthought

    suggests a minor addition considered late

Grammar Patterns

the centerpiece of + event / plan / room

Usage Note

Most often followed by 'of' plus the event, plan, room, or display that this thing dominates. Distinguish from sense 3: this sense can be an idea, project, or attraction, not only a table decoration.

Common Mistakes

The fountain stands at the centerpiece of the square.
The fountain stands at the center of the square.
'centerpiece' means the main feature, not simply the middle position.

3. an object or arrangement put in the middle of a table so it becomes the main dec

3.nounB2
Definition

an object or arrangement put in the middle of a table so it becomes the main decoration there.

Example

Élise placed a bowl of lemons as the table's centerpiece.

table's centerpiece: decorative object in the middle

For the wedding, Nora chose a centerpiece with tall candles.

Common collocations
  • floral centerpiece
  • wedding centerpiece
  • holiday centerpiece
  • table centerpiece
Synonyms
  • table decoration

    the broad everyday phrase for something decorative on a table

  • arrangement

    often used when the centerpiece is made from flowers or fruit

  • display

    broader and can refer to a decorative group of objects

Grammar Patterns

a centerpiece on + table

a centerpiece with + flowers / candles

Usage Note

Usually a physical decoration for a dining, wedding, or party table, often made with flowers, candles, fruit, or another eye-catching object. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense names the decoration itself, not the most important part of a plan or event.

Common Mistakes

Put the candles around the center.
Put the candles around the centerpiece.
Use 'centerpiece' for the decorative object, not just for the middle area.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

These words all draw attention to something important, but they are used in different ways. A centerpiece is the main feature that a room, event, or plan is built around. A focal point is what your eyes or thoughts go to first, especially in design, and it does not always suggest the greatest importance. A showpiece is something displayed to impress people, often because it is beautiful, expensive, or skillfully made. A core is the central part of something, but it usually sounds more structural and less visual than centerpiece. A highlight can be any especially memorable part, even if it is not the organizing centre. You might call the bridge model the centerpiece of an exhibition, the red wall its focal point, and a rare vase its showpiece.

highlight ↗focal pointshowpiececore ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • be the centerpiece of
  • serve as the centerpiece

Prepositions

  • centerpiece of

Etymology

English

Centerpiece was formed in English from center and piece. It first referred to an object placed in the middle of a table or display, and that physical sense later broadened to mean the most important part of a larger event, plan, or arrangement.

First known use

1803

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1