century

cen·tu·ry

noun \ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)rē\

plural cen·tu·ries

Definition of CENTURY

1

: a subdivision of the Roman legion

2

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

3

: a period of 100 years especially of the Christian era or of the preceding period of human history

4

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

Examples of CENTURY

1. It took more than a century to complete the cathedral.
2. Millions of people celebrated the beginning of the 21st century on January 1, 2000.
3. The pottery dates back to the sixth century B.C.E.
4. When the prince got married, it was called the wedding of the century.

Origin of CENTURY

Latin centuria, irregular from centum hundred

First Known Use: 1533

Other Calendar Terms

antedate, estival, gloaming, luster, sesquicentennial