A1noun1K

Piece

UK /["/piːs/"]/US /["/piːs/"]/

Definition

an amount of something that has been cut or separated from the rest of it; a standard amount of something

In simple words: A part of something larger.

Examples

  • Can I have a piece of cake, please?
  • She gave him a piece of advice about his career.
  • I found a small piece of paper on the floor.
  • Each piece of art in the gallery is unique.
  • He only has one piece left to complete his puzzle.

Usage notes

Use this word when talking about parts of whole items, such as a piece of cake or a piece of furniture. It is neutral and widely acceptable in both spoken and written contexts.

Grammar pattern

piece + of + object

Memory hint

Think of a jigsaw puzzle — each part is a 'piece' you need to complete the image.

Collocations

  • big
  • huge
  • large
  • assemble
  • glue (back) together
  • put (back) together
  • in pieces
  • piece of
  • bits and pieces
  • break into pieces
  • smash into pieces
  • big
  • huge
  • large
  • assemble
  • glue (back) together
  • put (back) together
  • in pieces
  • piece of
  • bits and pieces
  • break into pieces
  • smash into pieces
  • big
  • huge
  • large
  • assemble
  • glue (back) together
  • put (back) together
  • in pieces
  • piece of
  • bits and pieces
  • break into pieces
  • smash into pieces
  • amazing
  • beautiful
  • brilliant
  • compose
  • produce
  • write
  • be called something
  • be entitled something
  • be titled something
  • piece by
  • piece for
  • piece from
  • a piece of music
  • a piece of sculpture
  • a piece of work
  • amazing
  • beautiful
  • brilliant
  • compose
  • produce
  • write
  • be called something
  • be entitled something
  • be titled something
  • piece by
  • piece for
  • piece from
  • a piece of music
  • a piece of sculpture
  • a piece of work
  • big
  • huge
  • large
  • assemble
  • glue (back) together
  • put (back) together
  • in pieces
  • piece of
  • bits and pieces
  • break into pieces
  • smash into pieces

Synonyms

  • fall apart

Antonyms

  • whole
  • complete
  • entire

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'peace'.
  • Used 'pieces' when referring to uncountable nouns incorrectly.
  • Misused as a verb; it is primarily a noun.