centerpiece

/ˈsentəpiːs/ (bre, ipa) · [sˈɛntɚpˌis] /ˈsentərpiːs/ (ame, ipa) · [sˈɛntɚpˌis] /ˈsen-tər-ˌpēs How to pronounce centerpiece (audio) ˈse-nər-/ (ame, mw)

centerpiece — noun

  • centerpiecesingular
  • centerpiecesplural

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

1.名詞B2
釋義

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

例句

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.

用法筆記

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

常見錯誤

❌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.名詞B2
釋義

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

例句

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.

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • side issue

    describes something less important than the main matter

  • afterthought

    suggests a minor addition considered late

文法句型

the centerpiece of + event / plan / room

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.名詞B2
釋義

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

例句

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.

同義詞
  • 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

文法句型

a centerpiece on + table

a centerpiece with + flowers / candles

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

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