Definition

Noun: 1. The most important or impressive dish of a meal: The standout culinary item, often the main course or a special creation that is the highlight of the dining experience. 2. The outstanding or most important item in a collection, series, or event: The prize piece, main exhibit, or crowning achievement that is considered the best or most significant part of something.

Usage Examples

• As the main dish of a meal:
  • The chef's piece de resistance was a perfectly roasted duck with a cherry glaze.
  • After several appetizers, the piece de resistance arrived: a magnificent seafood platter.
• As the outstanding item in a collection or event:
  • The museum's piece de resistance is a rare painting by Van Gogh.
  • The final song, a complex symphony, was the concert's piece de resistance.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used metaphorically to describe the climax or best part of any process, presentation, or creative work.
  • After months of preparation, the piece de resistance of the marketing campaign was the stunning Super Bowl commercial.

Variants and Related Words

• Masterpiece (n): A work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship. While similar, "masterpiece" is more general and often refers to a complete, standalone work of art, whereas "piece de resistance" is the highlight a larger set or meal.
• Crowning achievement (n): The greatest achievement, often the culmination of one's efforts.
• Centerpiece (n): An item or issue intended to be a focus of attention. "Centerpiece" is more common for physical displays or central topics, while "piece de resistance" implies supreme quality or importance.

Synonyms

• Highlight
• Masterpiece (in context)
• Showpiece
• Crowning glory
• Prize exhibit

Notes on Usage

• Piece de resistance is a loan phrase from French, meaning literally "piece of resistance." It retains its original French spelling and is typically italicized in formal writing, though common usage often omits the italics.
• It is used to express admiration and signify that something is the best part of a larger whole.

Noun

1. the most important dish of a meal
2. the outstanding item (the prize piece or main exhibit) in a collection