# center

/ˈsɛnɝ/ (US) · /sˈɛntɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/center
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. middle point

noun · CEFR A1 · American English

the middle part or point of something, far from the edges.

For teachers: the middle portion of an object or area; the point equidistant from the boundaries or edges.

- The teacher told the children to sit in the center of the rug.
- The researchers placed the sample in the exact center of the chamber to ensure the heat was distributed evenly across its surface.

### 2. functional building

noun · CEFR A2 · American English

a building or place used for a particular activity or service.

For teachers: a facility or complex dedicated to a specific function, service, or social activity.

- The new community center has a swimming pool and a library.
- The city council approved funding for a high-tech medical center that will specialize in advanced cardiac surgery and rehabilitation.

### 3. sports player

noun · CEFR B1 · American English

a player who plays in the middle of the field or court.

For teachers: a player positioned in the middle of the playing area, often serving as a pivot or defensive anchor.

- The center passed the ball to the player waiting near the basket.
- The team's success this season is largely due to their center, whose height and agility dominate the middle of the court.

### 4. politics

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a political group that is not extreme and has moderate ideas.

For teachers: the moderate or centrist portion of the political spectrum, avoiding extreme left-wing or right-wing positions.

- The candidate tried to appeal to the center to win more votes.
- The coalition government struggled to maintain its grip on the political center as radical parties gained popularity during the economic crisis.

### 5. to place in the middle

verb · CEFR B1 · American English

to move something so it is in the middle of an area.

For teachers: to position an object so that its midpoint coincides with the midpoint of another area or axis.

- You should center the title on the page so it looks professional.
- The graphic designer carefully centered the logo within the header to maintain the visual balance of the website's landing page.

### 6. to focus on

verb · CEFR B2 · American English

to have something as the main subject or interest.

For teachers: to concentrate or revolve around a specific theme, person, or idea.

- The discussion centered on how to save money for the trip.
- The debate centered on the ethical implications of using artificial intelligence in judicial decision-making processes.

Usage: usually followed by 'on' or 'around'

### 7. located in the middle

adjective · CEFR B1 · American English

being in the middle of something.

For teachers: situated at or related to the center; often used to describe a specific part or position.

- Please use the center aisle to walk to the front of the room.
- The architect designed the building with a center courtyard to allow natural light to reach the interior offices.

## Examples

- The table stands in the center of the room.
- The new community center offers free classes for adults every weekend during the summer.
- By placing the fountain at the exact center of the courtyard, the architect created a focal point that draws the eye from every entrance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.