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

The holiday was first established in the late 19th century when labor activists lobbied for a federal holiday to observe the many contributions American workers have made to the country’s well-being. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026

The Arab coins, known as dirhams, are cut up and have similar inscriptions to those found in silver hoards from the 9th century, Nordjyske Museer said. — Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

This claim may not hold up in the 21st century—but its author, Helen Rowland, couldn’t know just how prescient her words would prove to be. — Michele Metych Britannica Editors Sep. 4, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2026

Two of the most impressive and imposing estates on the island, Whitehall and The Breakers, were developed by Flagler—the railroad tycoon who stitched Florida together with train tracks in the late 19th century. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for century

• penitentiary

Kids Definition

century

noun

cen·​tu·​ry ˈsench-(ə-)rē 

plural centuries

1

: a group of 100 things

2

: a period of 100 years