cent

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noun

ˈsent 

1

: a monetary unit equal to ¹/₁₀₀ of a basic unit of value (such as dollar, euro, rand) see birr, dollar, euro, leone, lilangeni, nakfa, rand, rupee, shilling at Money Table

2

: a coin, token, or note representing one cent

3

: the fen of the People's Republic of China

cent

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abbreviation (1)

1

centigrade

2

central

3

centum

4

century

Cent

3 of 3

abbreviation (2)

Central

Examples of cent in a Sentence

Noun

A dime is worth 10 cents.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

De Haan estimates national prices will rise 10 to 15 cents in the next week or two. —Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2025

That would still amount to fifteen per cent of the agency. —David W. Brown, New Yorker, 12 June 2025

Thirsty folks from all socioeconomic strata instantly recognize the colorful 23.5-ounce cans in their local bodega, and most flavors can still be found for 99 cents (plus applicable taxes and deposit fees). —Pete Cottell, Wired News, 12 June 2025

Rodriguez’s ordinance would raise driver pay during rides to $1.50 per mile and 62.5 cents per minute in July 2026. —Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, hundred, from Latin centum — more at hundred

First Known Use

Noun

1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cent

• euro cent
• not one red cent
• per cent
• red cent

Rhymes for cent

• bent
• blent
• ent
• fent
• lent
• meant
• pent
• rent
• rente
• scent
• sent
• spent

Kids Definition

cent

noun

ˈsent

1

: a unit of value equal to ¹⁄₁₀₀ part of a basic unit of money (as of a dollar or euro)

2

: a coin or bill representing one cent

Etymology

Noun

from early French cent "hundred," from Latin centum "hundred"