century

noun

cen·​tu·​ry ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)rē 

plural centuries

1

: a period of 100 years

a company that has been in business for more than a century

specifically : one of the 100-year divisions of the Christian era or of the preceding period of human history

the third century A.D./B.C

the 18th century

2

: a group, sequence, or series of 100 like things

3

a

: a subdivision of the Roman legion

b

: a voting unit of ancient Rome constituted according to property qualifications

4

: a race over a hundred units (such as yards, miles, or meters)

Examples of century in a Sentence

It took more than a century to complete the cathedral.

The pottery dates back to the sixth century B.C.E.

When the prince got married, it was called the wedding of the century.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adapted from the novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa and set in 19th century Sicily, the film examines how to know when your time is over, as one aristocratic era ends and another begins. —Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2024

Leaders of First Baptist — which has given millions to Southern Baptist causes and has been involved with the convention since its 19th century founding — are bracing for a possible expulsion. —CBS News, 6 June 2024

In the early decades of the 20th century, Leeds’ African-American population grew steadily. —Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 5 June 2024

Until recently, military analysts saw Hanwha as a relic, its products insufficient for 21st century warfare. —Eli Joseph, Fortune Asia, 6 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin centuria, irregular from centum hundred

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing century

• century plant
• the turn of the century

Kids Definition

century

noun

cen·​tu·​ry ˈsench-(ə-)rē 

plural centuries

1

: a group of 100 things

2

: a period of 100 years