conversation piece

noun

1
: a painting of a group of persons in their customary surroundings
2
: something (such as a novel or unusual object) that stimulates conversation

Examples of conversation piece in a Sentence

The exotic plant in our living room is a conversation piece that guests always ask about.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As a conversation piece, the Index might inspire reforms such as regulatory budgeting, regulatory reduction commissions, or requiring congressional approval of agency rules. Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 The spider was also a popular conversation piece among campers. Brennan Stewart, Baltimore Sun, 29 Nov. 2024 Think of them as the ultimate conversation piece. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2024 In the beauty world, there are seldom topics that are as big a conversation piece as Taylor Swift’s favorite lipstick. Michelle Lee, People.com, 1 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for conversation piece

Word History

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of conversation piece was in 1712

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Cite this Entry

“Conversation piece.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conversation%20piece. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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